Navy solar drone flies 73 hours nonstop in breakthrough endurance test

The Navy, working with Skydweller Aero, just reached a major milestone in clean-energy aviation. Its solar-powered drone, known as Skydweller, flew for 73 hours straight without needing fuel. The test happened at Stennis, Mississippi, under the leadership of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD).

This breakthrough shows how renewable energy can power long-endurance missions while cutting costs and reducing reliance on fuel.

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Navy solar drone proves nonstop endurance

The three-day nonstop flight proved that solar-powered drones can store enough energy during daylight to keep flying through the night. Engineers confirmed that Skydweller not only stayed airborne but also handled real-time autonomous decisions, adapted to turbulent weather and maintained secure communications.

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Officials say the drone’s wingspan matches that of a Boeing 747, yet it weighs about as much as a Ford F-150. With solar panels covering its massive wings, Skydweller powers four electric propeller engines during the day while storing extra energy in batteries for night flights.

The Navy, in partnership with Skydweller Aero, recently achieved continuous solar-powered unmanned flight during a nonstop three-day test. (Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division)

Navy expands solar-powered surveillance

NAWCAD leaders say Skydweller will fit into the Navy’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) network. Unlike expensive satellites or large drones such as the Global Hawk, Skydweller offers commanders a cheaper option for persistent monitoring. It can hover over an area in what experts call a “pseudo-satellite role,” freeing up more advanced systems for priority missions.

For U.S. Southern Command, Skydweller could help track drug trafficking, border security threats and other maritime challenges. Longer tests are already planned for this…