U.S. Navy Flies Solar-Powered Drone for 73 Hours without Refueling

The U.S. Navy and Skydweller Aero have completed a three-day nonstop test flight of a solar-powered unmanned aircraft system (UAS), marking a key milestone in long-endurance surveillance operations.

The 73-hour flight took place from Stennis, Mississippi, under the leadership of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

The test demonstrated the Skydweller UAS's ability to sustain continuous flight powered solely by solar energy while maintaining autonomous decision-making and communication in turbulent weather.

The aircraft achieved a positive energy balance throughout the flight, confirming its capacity for extended missions without refueling. Officials say this enables around-the-clock intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) over ocean regions where conventional aircraft would require support or downtime.

The Navy has been working with Skydweller since 2020 to address operational challenges in U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) areas, including drug trafficking and border monitoring. Officials say Skydweller provides persistent wide-area surveillance, freeing advanced platforms for other specialized missions.

Further testing is planned this summer in the SOUTHCOM region, where the Navy hopes to expand its use of persistent, solar-powered ISR capabilities to support maritime security and counter-illicit operations.