THE ZEPHYR
Solar plane runs for 7 days straight. Using UAV's to power such machines has been developed by defense and research company Qinetiq. The good thing is that the sun is being used to power machines that can be constantly under sunlight. No waste, no harm. Problem is, when militaries begin investing in this sort of technology for the sake of world watching, or in other words a lesser form of spying.
BBc reports: "Their solar cells drive propellers during the day and top up their batteries to maintain the craft through the dark hours of night. An autopilot keeps them circling over the same spot" Now planes that can stay in the air for long periods of time, could benefit situations such the current gulf coast spill. The plane could be circling the area, with a recording camera attached, to show the birds eye view of the spread of the spill, and its daily progressions. They also could be used to watch for inapropriate situations or dire areas of the world needing help, simply by being in the air, and having a camera that reports to a command center.
The question is, how good is it that (in this case - a country - or a military) can watch another country's activities by air, without their physical influence. (The monitored country could be asked - if it wants monitoring - which is something completely different, and quite good maybe). Are they prospective spies, or problem finders, news reporters, or possible future commercial planes? or all 4?
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