Patuxent River, Md. — Skydweller Aero, in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), has achieved a major milestone in the evolution of long-endurance, solar-powered unmanned flight.
During a nonstop 73-hour mission from Stennis International Airport in Mississippi, Skydweller demonstrated the ability to sustain flight entirely on solar power for multiple days, validating its potential as a transformative platform for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).
“This demonstration is a prime example of how NAWCAD partners with industry to deliver what the fleet needs,” said Rear Adm. Todd Evans, NAWCAD Commander. “It also reflects the technical depth of our workforce and our ability to translate ideas into capability.”
The flight showcased:
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Positive energy balance—powering the aircraft entirely from solar energy over multiple days
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Reliable autonomous operations in real-world conditions
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Seamless communications for mission-critical data transfer
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Resilience in turbulent weather
Bill Macchione, NAWCAD’s Special Purpose UAS lead, emphasized the strategic value: “Integrating Skydweller into the Navy’s ISR architecture creates a layered and resilient network that maximizes the capabilities of all our assets.”
A Persistent Eye in the Sky
Skydweller’s unmatched endurance enables persistent, wide-area surveillance over vast ocean and coastal regions. This capability frees other platforms to focus on specialized missions, such as rapid response and advanced sensor deployment.
The Navy began testing Skydweller’s solar-powered UAS in 2020 to address U.S. Southern Command operational challenges, including maritime security, counter-narcotics, and border protection. Further testing is planned for later this summer in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility.
With a 236-foot wingspan, 17,000 solar cells, and the ability to remain airborne for months at a time, Skydweller Aero is redefining what’s possible in clean, autonomous, and persistent flight.