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Draft:Skydweller Aero

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SKYDWELLER AERO[edit]

Skydweller Aero Inc. is a pioneering transatlantic aerospace company developing and manufacturing a fleet of very large solar powered aircraft capable of achieving perpetual flight with heavy, powerful payloads.

Skydwellers are autonomous aircraft manufactured from carbon-fiber, with a wingspan greater than a 747, and will be used for long duration missions such as providing continuous coverage above war zones, surveilling naval activity in contested waters, and detecting drug smugglers and pirates at sea. Because Skydwellers are solar powered, they are inexpensive to operate and maintain and feature zero carbon footprint. Skydweller Aero Inc., primarily backed by venture and private capital, has World and US headquarters in Oklahoma City and European offices headquartered in Spain.

With a flexible payload system, supporting the mot advanced surveillance packages, 4G/5G terrestrial communications networks, communications relay capabilities, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communication, and more, Skydwellers will enhance connectivity ad data collection for its commercial and government customers. Supporting geospatial data collection, meteorological and emergency operation efforts around the world, allowing customers to operate persistently in more challenging areas for longer durations, while reducing environmental impact.

History

Skydweller Aero was founded in 2017 by Dr. Robert Miller and JD Parkes. They envisioned a world where Perpetual Flight was an everyday occurrence. The initial outside investment occurred in Sept 2019 enabling Skydweller to acquire the Solar Impulse II aircraft and all the associated intellectual property. They assembled a team of aerospace and defense experts and began the effort to unman and productize the acquired technology.

Headquarters and Operations

The company's world headquarters is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. It’s US subsidiary, Skydweller US Inc, is also located in Oklahoma City, OK. It has major flight test facilities in Stennis, MS [1]. Skydweller Aero’s European subsidiary, Skydweller SL is located in Spain and has significant operational facilities in Madrid.

Technology and Innovation

Skydweller Aero is focused on developing unmnned solar powered aircraft that fly for weeks to months, bringing with it the capability for perpetual flight. The initial aircraft features a wingspan greater than 236 feet (>72m or greater than a 747) and is designed to carry a payloads of 300-800lbs (almost 400kg) while supplying significant power. This capability allows for a wide range of applications, from surviellance to non-terrestrial communications to environmental monitoring.

First Uncrewed Flight

On March 21, 2024, Skydweller Aero successfully conducted its first uncrewed flight over Stennis International Airport.[2]

Applications

The UAVs developed by Skydweller Aero are intended for a variety of uses, including:

  • Surveillance: Long-endurance surveillance for military and security purposes.
  • Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Communications: Providing communication networks in remote or disaster-affected areas.
  • Scientific Research: Extreme endruance platforms for atmospheric and astronomical studies.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Continuous observation and data collection for climate research and natural disaster management.

Recognition and Awards

The company is frequently highlighted in aerospace industry conferences and by both mainstream and trade media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal[3], the BBC[4], and Fox News[5]

Future Prospects

Skydweller Aero continues to push the boundaries of solar-powered flight.

See Also[edit]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_Impulse

External Links[edit]

Skydweller Aero Website

Skydweller Aero on LinkedIn

"How does a record-setting solar aircraft become a reconnaissance platform?" Defense & Aerospace Report, April 2024

"Skydweller Aero Completes First Uncrewed Flight Over Mississippi," Aviation Week & Space Technology, March 2024.[6]

"A solar-power plane being tested off the Mississippi coast is pushing the limits of flight," New Orleans Times Picayune, March 2024.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Skydweller Aero creates solar-powered unmanned drone". 26 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Uncrewed Autonomous Flight". YouTube. 13 April 2024.
  3. ^ https://www.wsj.com/science/environment/solar-powered-aircraft-planes-research-e551596c
  4. ^ "BBC Features Skydweller Aero". YouTube. 30 May 2024.
  5. ^ "Solar-powered, uncrewed flights are the 'future' of aviation: Robert Miller | Fox News Video". Fox News. 21 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Solar-Powered Skydweller Conducts First Uncrewed Flight | Aviation Week Network".