Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Boeing Gets $89M To Build Drone That Can Fly For 5 Years Straight

Posted by Soulskill on from the home-in-the-clouds dept.

coondoggie writes "One of the more unique unmanned aircraft concepts took a giant step toward reality this week when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency inked an agreement with Boeing to build the SolarEagle, a plane capable of remaining at heights above 60,000ft for over five years. Boeing says the first SolarEagle under the $89 million contract could fly as early as 2014."

11 of 271 comments (clear)

  1. SEE! by blhack · · Score: 2, Funny

    Isn't it frustrating that the military never encourages the development of new technology?

    I cannot think of a single civilian use for something like this, and definitely not a use for any of the derivative technologies. /sarcasm...because, well, nerdgasm

    --
    NewslilySocial News. No lolcats allowed.
    1. Re:SEE! by Cytotoxic · · Score: 2, Funny

      But your condoms are made in the USA!

    2. Re:SEE! by countertrolling · · Score: 1, Funny

      I cannot think of a single civilian use for something like this...

      I can. If this thing can stay in the air for 5 years, imagine how long it can keep you trapped inside waiting on the tarmac without having to pull into the gate.

      --
      For justice, we must go to Don Corleone
  2. Re:5 Years? by Locke2005 · · Score: 3, Funny

    I think Alan Parson's "Eye In The Sky" would be more appropriate...

    --
    I've abandoned my search for truth; now I'm just looking for some useful delusions.
  3. At least 60,000 feet up for five years? by pushing-robot · · Score: 2, Funny

    Take $89 million...buy a Falcon 9 launch...pocket the difference.

    --
    How can I believe you when you tell me what I don't want to hear?
  4. Re:Satellite replacement? by oldspewey · · Score: 3, Funny

    On the downside it's well within SAM range, though I imagine it has a pretty small thermal signature so that might present a more difficult target.

    --
    If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
  5. Way too much by BufferArea · · Score: 5, Funny

    Boeing Gets $89M To Build Drone That Can Fly For 5 Years Straight...for that much you think it could turn too!

    1. Re:Way too much by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

      It is a "don't ask don't tell" thing. The airplane has to be straight for 5 years or the term of its enlistment.

  6. Re:2014? by oldspewey · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm curious to hear more about your concept for a solar-powered jet engine.

    --
    If libertarians are so opposed to effective government, why don't they all move to Somalia?
  7. Re:Summary Fail by Darinbob · · Score: 2, Funny

    This concept is slightly pregnant with potential.

  8. Re:Now, "Google Maps Live!" by St.Creed · · Score: 2, Funny

    Next X-Prize:

    1 million dollar for the first practical, do-it-yourself, anti-air missile that can reach 60K altitude :)

    --
    Therefore, by the (faulty) logic you're using, you're just a cow with a keyboard - osu-neko (2604)