Alta Devices solar tech for UAV project
Alta Devices’ flexible and lightweight solar technology has been selected by the US Naval Research Laboratory to power its Hybrid Tiger UAV, the company announced on 14 May.
The Hybrid Tiger project is developing a group-2 UAV that will be able to stay airborne for a minimum of three and a half days.
The programme will use high-efficiency flexible solar cells, a hydrogen fuel cell and energy-aware guidance algorithms.
The planned demonstration of the Hybrid Tiger will include flights over multiple days without using traditional fuels, during the winter solstice and as far North as 50° latitude to highlight how extreme endurance UAV flight can be achieved using hybridisation of solar photovoltaics, a hydrogen fuel cell and autonomous soaring algorithms, regardless of latitude or time of year.
The multi-day endurance technology will enable applications such as low altitude communications, atmospheric research and SAR missions.
Technologies developed for the project will also be applicable for other unmanned vehicles.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.