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hatemeifyouwant · 16-07-10, 05:44 PM

Quote:

In trials above Arizona the Zephyr, billed as the plane that can fly forever, has already been up in the air for 168 hours â€“ doubling the previous world record it set in 2008.

The aircraft's designers plan to keep the aircraft in the air for another week in an attempt to prove that it can be used for long-term surveillance lasting for months rather than days.

According to QinetiQ, the Hampshire-based company behind the craft, the Zephyr can be used for earth observation or defence purposes.

It relies on solar power which both keeps the plane in the air during the day and charges lithium sulphur batteries which allow it to remain airbourne throughout the night.

Unlike other conventional manned or unmanned aircraft, Zephyr does not need to return to base for servicing at regular intervals.

I just seen this on the Telegraph, imagine that, being able to fly for 168 hours, I love British engineers

Now where do I sit in it?

DJLEE · 18-07-10, 06:02 PM

Looks like it cant carry any passengers, looks good for a spy plane

diala · 04-09-10, 02:26 PM

Very nice for spying.

I could see these being used for wars and such.

piden68 · 24-09-10, 02:54 AM

is there any control? or just remote from the ground?

TheGuy · 24-09-10, 01:07 PM

Looks more like a glider to me. Which means it depends on the winds. Which means that its control is probably pretty limited. Which means that it shows you the image of the spot you're interested in at the wrong time.

sha742 · 30-09-10, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuy

Looks more like a glider to me. Which means it depends on the winds. Which means that its control is probably pretty limited. Which means that it shows you the image of the spot you're interested in at the wrong time.

Ultimately all planes are 'gliders.' Engines just provide thrust. In the same way ships can adjust their sails so they can go in any direction regardless of the wind, the plane change its angle.

Still, considering the US has planes that go ten times the speed of sound with scramjets, its hard to really be impressed with anything else.

TheGuy · 30-09-10, 05:25 PM

Ah, the difference between a glider and a plane, is that a glider takes its energy from the wind (or it goes only downwards), while a plane relies on its fuel.

So with a glider you can stay up there forever, but you need to catch those winds that keep you moving. So the winds tell you where to go (at least most of the time), not your own wish.

sha742 · 30-09-10, 08:26 PM

A plane can go quite a while without fuel. It was part of the premise behind 'Survivor' by Chuck Palahnuik. The only different between a plane and glider is thrust; everything else really is the same besides the distance each can glide solely on wind.