Skydweller UAV seen taking off for a flight trial. (Skydweller Aero)

The Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is conducting autonomous envelope expansion flights from Albacete, Spain, in anticipation of experimental operations on behalf of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller told Janes on 19 April. The aircraft has performed nine test flights so far.

On its most recent flight, on 19 March, Skydweller flew for four hours and reached an 18,000 ft altitude. Although a pilot was aboard for safety reasons, the aircraft flew autonomously from start to finish, said Miller.

The eventual goal is an aircraft capable of reaching 45,000 ft altitude and staying aloft for months at a time. “Several more” are planned for June after modifications to the aircraft's landing gear and airbrake, Miller said, although he declined to reveal a schedule for full envelope expansion.

Skydweller UAV seen taking off for a flight trial. (Skydweller Aero)

The Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is conducting autonomous envelope expansion flights from Albacete, Spain, in anticipation of experimental operations on behalf of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller told Janes on 19 April. The aircraft has performed nine test flights so far.

On its most recent flight, on 19 March, Skydweller flew for four hours and reached an 18,000 ft altitude. Although a pilot was aboard for safety reasons, the aircraft flew autonomously from start to finish, said Miller.

The eventual goal is an aircraft capable of reaching 45,000 ft altitude and staying aloft for months at a time. “Several more” are planned for June after modifications to the aircraft's landing gear and airbrake, Miller said, although he declined to reveal a schedule for full envelope expansion.

Skydweller UAV seen taking off for a flight trial. (Skydweller Aero)

The Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is conducting autonomous envelope expansion flights from Albacete, Spain, in anticipation of experimental operations on behalf of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller told Janes on 19 April. The aircraft has performed nine test flights so far.

On its most recent flight, on 19 March, Skydweller flew for four hours and reached an 18,000 ft altitude. Although a pilot was aboard for safety reasons, the aircraft flew autonomously from start to finish, said Miller.

The eventual goal is an aircraft capable of reaching 45,000 ft altitude and staying aloft for months at a time. “Several more” are planned for June after modifications to the aircraft's landing gear and airbrake, Miller said, although he declined to reveal a schedule for full envelope expansion.

Skydweller UAV seen taking off for a flight trial. (Skydweller Aero)

The Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is conducting autonomous envelope expansion flights from Albacete, Spain, in anticipation of experimental operations on behalf of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller told Janes on 19 April. The aircraft has performed nine test flights so far.

On its most recent flight, on 19 March, Skydweller flew for four hours and reached an 18,000 ft altitude. Although a pilot was aboard for safety reasons, the aircraft flew autonomously from start to finish, said Miller.

The eventual goal is an aircraft capable of reaching 45,000 ft altitude and staying aloft for months at a time. “Several more” are planned for June after modifications to the aircraft's landing gear and airbrake, Miller said, although he declined to reveal a schedule for full envelope expansion.

Skydweller UAV seen taking off for a flight trial. (Skydweller Aero)

The Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is conducting autonomous envelope expansion flights from Albacete, Spain, in anticipation of experimental operations on behalf of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller told Janes on 19 April. The aircraft has performed nine test flights so far.

On its most recent flight, on 19 March, Skydweller flew for four hours and reached an 18,000 ft altitude. Although a pilot was aboard for safety reasons, the aircraft flew autonomously from start to finish, said Miller.

The eventual goal is an aircraft capable of reaching 45,000 ft altitude and staying aloft for months at a time. “Several more” are planned for June after modifications to the aircraft's landing gear and airbrake, Miller said, although he declined to reveal a schedule for full envelope expansion.

Skydweller UAV seen taking off for a flight trial. (Skydweller Aero)

The Skydweller unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is conducting autonomous envelope expansion flights from Albacete, Spain, in anticipation of experimental operations on behalf of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Skydweller Aero CEO Robert Miller told Janes on 19 April. The aircraft has performed nine test flights so far.

On its most recent flight, on 19 March, Skydweller flew for four hours and reached an 18,000 ft altitude. Although a pilot was aboard for safety reasons, the aircraft flew autonomously from start to finish, said Miller.

The eventual goal is an aircraft capable of reaching 45,000 ft altitude and staying aloft for months at a time. “Several more” are planned for June after modifications to the aircraft's landing gear and airbrake, Miller said, although he declined to reveal a schedule for full envelope expansion.