THORNTON, Colo., May 26 (UPI) -- U.S. company Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. says its solar photovoltaic module will be used in a new hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle.
Ascent Solar announced it has teamed with Bye Aerospace Inc. to support the development of its Silent Sentinel hybrid-UAV technology. Silent Sentinel is designed to support evolving surveillance and reconnaissance operations by the defense and homeland security markets.
Officials say the Silent Sentinel will be integrated with Ascent Solar's flexible thin-film solar photovoltaic modules to support endurance and quiet operations.
"Ultimately, (the Silent Sentinel) will provide advanced tactical reconnaissance functionality while utilizing a uniquely long endurance, highly capable tactical sensor platform that is operationally stealthy and cost-effective to operate," Charlie Johnson, Bye Aerospace chief operating officer, said in a statement.
"The unique characteristics of the Ascent Solar flexible modules allow us to design this UAV to become very energy efficient."
