New record for Airbus solar aircraft
The solar plane Zephyr S HAPS has flown in the air for no less than 26 days. This is the longest flight so far. The previous record was also in the name of Airbus with fourteen days.
Record
To be precise, the device stayed in the air for 25 days, 23 hours and 57 minutes. The Zephyr S HAPS is an unmanned device and is fully powered by solar energy. It flies at 21 kilometers altitude, has a span of 25 meters and a weight of 75 kilograms.
Airbus wants to use the solar appliances for commercial and military services. With the device, for example, limits can be monitored and problems can keep an eye on everything, such as forest fires or oil spills. The device can also be used as a router, to realize internet connection on the ground.
Airbus helicopter
Airbus not only develops new aircraft. Helicopters are also interested. Last year Airbus announced a new type of helicopter: the Racer . This helicopter is fast, but also durable. And with fast we mean really fast: 400 kilometers per hour. The Racer is expected to make its first flight in 2020.