Fly high: Chinese solar drone 'Rainbow' reaches near space
Photo taken on May 24, 2017 shows a solar drone on its test flight. China has successfully tested near-space flight of its largest solar drone. With a wingspan of 45 meters, the solar-powered drone is capable of flying at an altitude of 20 to 30 kilometers, and cruising at a speed of 150 to 200 km per hour for a long time. The unmanned aerial vehicle will be used mostly for airborne early warning, aerial reconnaissance, disaster monitoring, meteorological observation and communications relay. [Photo/Xinhua] |
With the success of the CH UAV flight, China has become the third country to master near-space solar drone technology following the United States and the United Kingdom.
The United States has developed solar drones such as the "Helios" and the United Kingdom sent its UAV "Zephyr" to an altitude of over 15 km in 2007.
The CH UAV team said the project has overcome challenges in some key technological fields, such as aerodynamics, flight control and efficient use of energy, during its development.
- China likely to become 1st to bring Martian soil back to Earth
- Chinese vice-premier stresses innovation in development
- Top legislator urges NPC deputies to contribute to Chinese modernization
- China launches 504-qubit quantum chip, open to global users
- Chinese vice-premier urges intensified emergency rescue, flood response work
- Chinese Defense Minister holds talks with Kazakhstan president