Key Takeaways
1. Luke Maximo Bell and his father Mike Bell shared a new YouTube video focusing on a solar-powered drone after a recent world record attempt.
2. The drone features a lightweight and strong design made from carbon fiber, with 27 small solar panels providing direct power.
3. Test flights showed the drone’s ability to fly using solar energy, despite some instability in mild winds.
4. Future plans include an upgraded version of the drone with more solar panels, GPS, and autonomous flight software.
5. The ultimate goal is to break the Guinness World Record for the longest flying drone.
Just six days after trying to regain the Guinness World Record for the fastest drone, Luke Maximo Bell, alongside his father Mike Bell, has shared a new YouTube video. This video highlights a different drone and unveils plans for yet another world record attempt. The innovative drone operates entirely on solar energy, without relying on batteries or other storage devices.
A Unique Design
In creating this drone, Luke chose a frame and propellers crafted from carbon fiber. This choice helps in maintaining both the strength and light weight of the drone. For its power, he designed a panel composed of 27 small solar panels, connecting it directly to the drone, completely eliminating the need for a battery.
Test Flights and Future Goals
After conducting several test flights and making adjustments, Luke successfully flew the drone. Although it displayed some instability and wobbled in mild winds, it demonstrated the ability to fly using solar energy as its direct power source, exceeding the project’s initial goals.
He also mentioned future plans for an upgraded version that will feature additional solar panels, a GPS unit, and software for autonomous flights. The objective of this next drone is to break the Guinness World Record for the longest flying drone.