Zephyr Solar Plane Lands After Over 2 Weeks (!!!) in the Air, Setting New World Record

Photo: Qinetiq

22.5 Meters of Wingspan and Just 50 Kilos
The Zephyr can stay in the air for so long because it is powered by the sun. Extremely thin and light solar panels cover its wings and are used to recharge lithium-sulphur batteries, which are used to power the aircraft's engines at night. And with a 22.5-meter wingspan, the Zephyr has a lot of surface for solar panels and a lot of lift relative to its 50Kg weight (thanks to a carbon-fiber body).

Some are calling the Zephyr the first "persistent" airplane. More poetically, we're entering the era of "eternal flight".

See also: The 'Eternal Aircraft' Zephyr Solar Plane Aims for 14 Days in the Air

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