Korea sets sights on runway-free aircraft after record-breaking drone flight

Korea is moving forward with ambitious plans for a new generation of aircraft capable of taking off and landing without traditional runways. This development follows a remarkable record-breaking flight by a solar-powered unmanned aircraft from the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA). From August 18 to 25, the EAV-4 unmanned aerial vehicle maintained continuous flight for an astounding 170 hours and 5 minutes, more than tripling Korea's previous domestic endurance record of 53 hours, set by the EAV-3 in 2020.

The achievement places Korea second globally in stratospheric flight endurance, trailing only Airbus' Zephyr, according to the agency.

During this extraordinary flight test, the EAV-4 showcased its wildfire surveillance capabilities. Equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras, the aircraft was able to identify ignition points within mere seconds, track their location, and predict the direction of smoke and the movement of embers. Operating at an altitude of approximately 20 kilometers, solar-powered stratospheric aircraft like the EAV-4 have the potential to serve as persistent surveillance platforms and emergency response assets, offering extended airborne time unmatched by conventional aircraft.