Unmanned Solar Aircraft Soars for 14 Days
The Zephyr, an unmanned solar-powered aircraft, landed safely on July 23 after flying nonstop for 14 days, unofficially smashing long-standing world records, according to manufacturer QinetiQ.
The craft launched and landed at the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The journey quadrupled its unofficial world record for longest unmanned flight (82 hours, 37 minutes) set in 2008. Zephyr also surpassed the official world record for the longest flight for an unmanned air system (30 hours, 24 minutes) set by Northrop Grumman's RQ-4A Global Hawk in March 2001. Zephyr also bettered the record for non-stop flight, passing the Rutan Voyager milestone of 9 days set in December 1986.
Solar energy is delivered by amorphous silicon solar arrays on its 74-foot wingspan. The energy collected during the day recharges lithium-sulfur batteries, allowing it to fly during darkness without refueling. Zephyr's ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber frame weighs about 110 pounds.
This is the second notable solar-powered feat this month. On July 7-8, a pilot kept the Solar Impulse aloft over Switzerland through an entire 24-hour cycle, the first time this was accomplished with a manned craft. See the QinetiQ press release.
International Renewable Energy Agency Gets Global Status
18 months after it being established, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) announced on July 8 that it has become a fully-fledged organization. Under its charter, IRENA would become a recognized entity 30 days after the 25th government ratified its statute.
The agency promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all renewable energies. Founded in January 2009 with 75 member states, IRENA has grown to 149 members - 31 members ratified the charter. All United Nations' members are eligible to join.
Its mandate is to help members define strategies across all renewable energies, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar, and wind. Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, has been IRENA's headquarters since June 2009. The organization will develop an assembly, a council, and a secretariat as it evolves. See the IRENA press release.
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EREE Network News is a weekly publication of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
