According to information published by Lockheed Martin on April 11, 2022, the firm demonstrated the expanded endurance capabilities of a specially configured Lockheed Martin Stalker VXE unmanned aerial system (UAS) through a world record endurance flight on Feb. 18, 2022, at the Santa Margarita Ranch in California.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

Stalker VXE Unmanned Aircraft System (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The flight establishes a new record in the Group 2 (5 to <25-kilogram) category with a flight time of 39 hours, 17 minutes, and 7 seconds. The flight has been submitted to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the world sanctioning body for aviation records, through its U.S. affiliate, the National Aeronautic Association, for certification.

A production Stalker VXE was modified for this record-setting flight with an external, wing-mounted fuel tank. The flight provided valuable insight for improvements to Stalker VXE aimed at scaling its mission capabilities for the future.

Stalker VXE’s class-leading endurance, broad operating envelope, modular payload compliance, vertical take-off, and landing capability, and open system architecture allow it to execute diverse and demanding missions while maintaining a small operational footprint and crew.

Optionally powered by a ruggedized Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Stalker uses propane to achieve 8+ hours of operation.

To support the needs of the mission, the system can also be easily reconfigured in the field to a battery-powered option that provides 4 hours of endurance.