Ultra-light aircraft takes off from ... human hands

A solar powered aircraft broke the world record for drone time in a take-off.

The test flight was conducted at a US military base in the state of Azirona. Zephyr-6, the name of the aircraft, flew continuously for 82 hours and 37 minutes after being launched into the air by hand.

Before the test flight of Zephyr-6, the world record of drone time belonged to a US-built aircraft-cum-robot. It was in the air for 30 hours and 24 minutes in 2001.

Zephyr-6 flew continuously for 82 hours and 37 minutes.

QinetiQ, Zephyr-6 design company, said their products were made from carbon fiber so it was very light. Instead of propellers, it uses propulsion to take off.

However, Zephyr-6's record can be considered unofficial by QinetiQ not participating in the Sports Aviation Federation, which sets standards for unmanned aircraft.

According to Douglas Millard, spokesman for QinetiQ, Zephyr-6 weighs 30 kg and reaches a maximum height of 18 km. It can fly in automatic mode or via satellite control. During the day, the plane takes electricity directly from the sun's rays. At night, it works by accumulating electricity in solar panels as thin as paper.

Douglas argued that the birth of Zephyr-6 opened up many applications in the military (reconnaissance aircraft manufacturing) and telecommunications.