Breakthrough Solar-Powered Drone Achieves Continuous Flight

Chinese researchers develop ultra-light drone capable of indefinite flight using sunlight and electrostatic propulsion

The CoulombFly drone weighs just 4.21 grams and is propelled by an efficient electrostatic motor.
It can maintain flight for an hour under natural sunlight without performance degradation.
Researchers aim to use this technology for communications, search-and-rescue, and surveillance.
Current limitations include mechanical failures and the need for nighttime energy sources.
Further development is needed to increase payload capacity and flight control capabilities.