US Navy Adopts Skydweller Drone for Persistent Maritime Surveillance Without Refueling.

On July 29, 2025, US Navy, in partnership with Skydweller Aero, has demonstrated a key development in the field of persistent airborne surveillance: a 73-hour uninterrupted flight of a solar-powered drone. This test, led by the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), represents a technical milestone in the advancement of autonomous, long-endurance, and energy-independent maritime ISR capabilities. Conducted from the naval air facility in Stennis, Mississippi, the flight validated the drone’s ability to maintain a positive energy balance, operating without external recharging or human intervention, even in turbulent weather conditions.
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Integrating Skydweller into the Navy’s ISR framework contributes to the establishment of a distributed, layered, and resilient surveillance network (Picture source: US DoD)

This non-stop three-day flight reflects a shift in the operational use of unmanned systems. Skydweller, derived from the Solar Impulse 2 demonstrator, is powered exclusively by solar energy. Its long-span airframe, onboard autonomous decision-making capability, and secure, persistent communications architecture enable wide-area maritime surveillance. With a 72-meter wingspan and a takeoff mass of approximately 2,500 kg, the drone is equipped with over 17,000 photovoltaic cells capable of generating up to 100 kilowatts. It powers 635 kg of lithium-ion batteries for night operations and can fly at altitudes ranging from 7,500 to 13,500 meters. The aircraft can carry approximately 360 kg of payload, including EO/IR sensors, lightweight radar, AIS receivers, or communications relay equipment, and is designed for missions potentially exceeding 30 days.

The U.S. Navy has been working with this platform since 2020, when NAWCAD initiated experimentation under the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to address operational needs related to illicit trafficking, maritime border monitoring, and wide-area situational awareness. Given its minimal logistical footprint and near-unlimited endurance, the system is suited to operating in dispersed or infrastructure-constrained environments where access to forward bases is limited or contested. Its lightweight carbon fiber structure, quad-redundant flight control system, and self-healing code algorithms support mission reliability under isolated or degraded conditions.

Integrating Skydweller into the Navy’s ISR framework contributes to the establishment of a distributed, layered, and resilient surveillance network. This model enables persistent coverage while optimizing the use of other airborne assets. Rear Admiral Todd Evans, NAWCAD Commander, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program and its ability to convert innovation into practical capability. Additional tests are scheduled this summer in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility, confirming the system’s ongoing development.

As maritime challenges grow and the demand for continuous ISR intensifies, Skydweller is positioned to support long-range surveillance missions while reducing dependency on fuel and logistics chains. The flight conducted in July highlights not only the drone’s operational maturity but also the potential of solar endurance platforms to reshape aerial surveillance practices.