Experimental UAV sets endurance record

[unhappycamper]

The Navy's fuel-cell-powered Ion Tiger unmanned aerial vehicle could be used for long-range missions.


Experimental UAV sets endurance record
By William Matthews - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 30, 2009 6:21:54 EST

For 26 hours and one minute — that’s how long the Ion Tiger circled nonstop over Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

The 37-pound experimental Navy unmanned aerial vehicle set an endurance record for fuel-cell-powered drones Nov. 16 and Nov. 17, more than doubling the flight time of its closest rivals.

On board: A five-pound payload, a 9.5-pound tank of compressed hydrogen and a lightweight but powerful fuel-cell engine.

The flight showed what can be accomplished with fuel-cell power and a small UAV. But it also revealed some of what still remains to be done.

With 26 hours of endurance, a UAV like the Ion Tiger could be sent on long-range missions. Or it could simply be launched to loiter overhead, ready to be used when needed, said Karen Swider-Lyons, head of the chemistry division of the Naval Research Laboratory’s alternative energy section.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2009/11/navy_ion_tiger_112909w/



unhappycamper comment: Perhaps the Navy should cancel this new UAV and buy supplies for sailors to keep their ships working properly. Just sayin.