U.S. Navy Tests Solar Drone in 73-Hour Nonstop Flight

The unmanned solar-powered Skydweller during its first flight April 4, 2024.

The U.S. Navy has completed a groundbreaking 73-hour solar-powered flight with Skydweller Aero’s unmanned aircraft, marking a major milestone in long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The test, conducted from Stennis, Mississippi, demonstrated the drone’s ability to operate continuously without fuel or external power, relying solely on solar energy.

Led by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), the mission validated key operational features including autonomous command and control, weather resilience, and continuous connectivity. The Skydweller aircraft—adapted from a proven manned platform—maintained a positive energy balance throughout day-night cycles, an essential benchmark for extended ISR missions.

Rear Adm. Todd Evans, NAWCAD Commander, praised the collaboration as a model of industry and military innovation. Officials highlighted the drone’s ability to dynamically respond to turbulence, make real-time decisions, and function with minimal acoustic and visual signature, making it ideal for persistent maritime surveillance.

The Skydweller system is being developed to address critical needs in U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, including counter-narcotics operations, illegal maritime activity, and border surveillance. Its endurance allows it to free up more complex assets for rapid-response missions while maintaining coverage over vast regions such as the Caribbean and Latin America.

Upcoming tests will focus on integrating real-time ISR feeds into operational missions. If successful, the Navy may adopt solar-powered drones like Skydweller as part of its layered ISR architecture, enhancing situational awareness and reducing reliance on conventional UAVs.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, defence-blog.com