Ascent Solar Technologies supplies power cells for UAS

Ascent Solar Technologies Inc. has begun supplying photovoltaic cells for the solar wings of the Silent Falcon unmanned aerial vehicle of SFUAS technologies.

The Colorado-headquartered company said the thin-film solar cells are being provided as Silent Falcon UAS Technologies prepares for production runs for its first commercial orders for its aircraft.

"We are extremely pleased with the Silent Falcon™ aircraft's capability," said Joe Armstrong, chief technology officer of Ascent Solar Technologies. "Its solar wings, based on our in-production, flexible, monolithically integrated CIGS photovoltaic product, are performing extremely well, giving the propulsion system a significant source of lightweight electric energy and enabling the aircraft's unprecedented endurance.

"Working closely with Silent Falcon, we have demonstrated a product specific to their needs and specifications, as well as assisting them in related power management technologies. We are honored to be the supplier chosen for the production vehicles."

The Silent Falcon vehicle from SFUAS is a solar-electric, all composite, modular and small UAS weighing about 30 pounds. It has an interchangeable wing configuration designed for commercial, public safety and defense applications.

"Customer flight demonstrations are underway today," said Georg Bye, chairman of Silent Falcon UAS and chief executive officer of Bye Aerospace, which started SFUAS in 2010. "We believe Silent Falcon UAS has a large and growing military and international commercial market. Sales exceeding several hundred units per year are possible."