A division of the well-known American company Lockheed Martin, which develops various new technologies, called Skunk Works, has set a new unofficial record. Stalker XVE drones were able to last 39 hours, 17 minutes and 7 seconds in the air, which is longer than any other Class 2 drone (weighing 5 to 25 kilograms).

The first Stalker drones appeared in 2006. In the past, Lockheed Martin experts have continually modernized their work, increasing their credibility and providing them with additional opportunities. The latest device in this series, the Stalker XVE, is highly portable, disassembled in two plastic boxes. The assembly of the device can be done by one person, who can also be the operator, the rest is taken over by the autonomous aviation radio electronics system.

The design of the Stalker XVE drone is modular and configured to handle the tasks of the current mission. The weight of the device is approximately 20 kilograms and it is powered by an electric motor powered by a propane fuel cell SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell). The drone is able to lift a payload of up to 2.5 kilograms, which can act as an additional battery, increasing the flight time by 4 hours.

The maximum flight speed of the Stalker XVE drone is 93 kilometers per hour, reaching an altitude of 3658 meters. And the launch of the aircraft into the air can be done by a catapult, rail guide from another aircraft, or independently in the vertical take-off and landing mode.

For the record flight, which took place on February 18, 2022 at Santa Margarita Ranch in California, the Stalker XVE aircraft was equipped with a fuel cell and an additional tank with liquefied propane located under the aircraft’s wing. In everything else, the device did not differ from the basic version.

As noted above, the current record is still unofficial. However, Lockheed Martin’s representatives have already applied to the relevant organizations, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) and the National Aeronautics Association, for official approval and recognition of the new registration.