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Airshow China 201 6
1 - 6 November 2016 Zhuhai - Jinwan Airport |
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Airshow China: AVIC unveils Morning Star solar-powered HALE UAV
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The Chinese aircraft manufacturer unveiled a Zephyr lookalike UAV at this 2016 edition of Airshow China, held in Zhuhai. As its European counterpart, the “Morning Star” solar-powered high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system seems especially designed for high altitude surveillance missions.
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The Morning Star globally shares the same design than Airbus’ Zephyr, being developed under Airbus’ High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) programme. AVIC's projects features solar cells-covered wings. Its wingpsan is more than two times longer (50 m) than the UAV body (21 m). The UAV is 6.7 m high.
The Morning Star uses sunlight to charge battery during the day to be able to power its four two-blades propellers at night. This gives it a maximum flight speed of 100-125 km/h. AVIC’s UAV project is expected to stay in operational flight during more than 30 days. According to AVIC, this lightweight UAV is designed to operate within a maximum ceiling of 20,000 m. |
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