The Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program has hit another milestone with the completion of an innovative drone technology project.

The joint Pegasus project, funded by the Australian Government in partnership with Li-S Energy, V-TOL Aerospace and Halocell Energy, has successfully demonstrated how advanced battery and solar technologies can significantly improve drone endurance and range.

Testing of the custom-built Pegasus drone in Queensland culminated in a flight of almost two hours and covering more than 75 kilometres on a single lithium-sulfur battery pack. The drone also incorporates lightweight solar panels on its wings to generate additional power during flight. Testing showed the battery technology delivered around 80 per cent more range and flight time than an equivalent lithium-polymer battery pack of the same cell weight.

The drone can carry dual batteries delivering flight durations of 5-8 hours, and a range of up to 250 km, making it ideal for long endurance applications, including environmental monitoring, infrastructure inspections, mapping and agricultural operations.

Emerging aviation technology projects like these are helping build the capabilities needed to support community and regional needs across the country and keep communities connected.

The $1.35 million project grant is part of the Australian Government’s broader $30.5 million investment across 24 projects supporting the development and deployment of emerging aviation technologies.

For more information visit the Emerging Aviation Technology Partnerships program webpage.