A team of engineers and scientists from the Center of Advanced Aero-Engine and Beihang University were able to develop a drone powered by solar energy that can theoretically fly forever. Even though the mini-drone crashed due to a mechanical issue, it successfully achieved a one-hour test flight with the same performance, resulting in a hypothesis that a drone might actually fly endlessly if the optimal circumstances are met. The ultra-light drone comes with just 4,21 grams in total, with its electric motor weighing 1,52 grams. Surprisingly, the drone is lighter than a simple A4 sheet. A youtube video from the science magazine “Nature” shows the operational procedure of the so-called “CouloumbFly” drone. Generally, a voltage of 4,5 volts is generated from the two solar modules that are considered as the main power source.

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Too early for this technology to be completely ready

The research team still has a lot of developments on the way as this test was just a starting point. Further steps will allow the aircraft to carry more weight as the current one can only carry 1,59 grams, along with finding solutions to some challenges like high humidity or shading by clouds.

The technology might face some unpleasant applications

Such technology can be helpful in many areas like data collection and rescue operations. However, it can also be used for troublesome applications such as area-wide surveillance. A lot of improvements and research is on the way before that happens.