China Solar Drone-Qimingxing-50
Highlights
- The drone’s wings are up to 164 feet long
- Makes the most of solar equipment
- Drone is very helpful in monitoring
China Solar Drone: China’s fully solar powered semi satellite drone is ready. It has successfully completed its maiden test flight with all onboard systems functioning properly. According to Chinese state media, the drone took off from the airport in Shanxi province at 5.50 pm on Saturday. It took off well for 26 minutes and made a safe landing. The drone’s wings are 164 feet long, and this massive machine runs entirely on solar panels. This UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) is capable of flying long distances. It has been named Qimingxing-50 or Morning Star-50.
The drone can fly even at an altitude of 20 km. However, if there are no clouds, then its flight becomes better. This enables him to make maximum use of solar equipment to fly for a longer period of time. Indeed, the chief designer of the drone told the South China Morning Post that it can operate without a break for months, even years. Surprisingly, the drone can also work near space. It is capable of working like a satellite from 20 km to 100 km above the earth’s surface.
China’s power increased
If satellite service is not available, such as due to time constraints or due to war, it can bridge the operational gap. Such drones are also called ‘high altitude platform stations’ or pseudo satellites. Although China already has this capability, but from Qimingxing-50, China gets this capability for a long time. In July this year, the US military also helped test a solar-powered and near space-powered Airbus Zephyr S drone. The drone has set a new record by staying in the air for 42 days.
These drones, both from the US and China, can carry out surveillance missions, allowing them to operate for months longer and see beyond borders and oceans.
A lot of money has gone into making a drone like the Morning Star-50. These are easy to launch and operate. These sun-powered drones help enhance China’s current ability to operate near space and operate beyond the oceans. This Hale UAV is also capable of conducting high-altitude military trials, in addition to providing wildfire monitoring, communication and environmental information.
Latest World News