British spy drone sets new flying record

A British-designed, solar-powered aircraft called Zephyr has already been up in the air for 168 hours, doubling the previous world record it set in 2008.

According to The Telegraph, the aircraft's designers plan to keep it in the air for another week in an attempt to prove that it can be used for long-term surveillance lasting for months rather than days.
 
According to QinetiQ, the Hampshire-based company behind the craft, the Zephyr can be used for earth observation or defence purposes.

It relies on solar power, which both keeps the plane in the air during the day and charges lithium sulphur batteries, which allow it to remain airborne throughout the night.

Unlike other conventional manned or unmanned aircraft, Zephyr does not need to return to base for servicing at regular intervals.