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I'm aware of several past solar-powered airplanes. Is this the first solar powered rotary-wing aircraft? (Looking for 'solar drone' mostly turns up drones used to clean solar panels)

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For those curious about solar powered fixed wing airplanes:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_Zephyr

> One Zephyr can replace 250 cell phone towers. It can be used to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) with a wide visual payload coverage of 20×30 km (12.4×18.6 mi) and can be equipped with radar, LIDAR and infrared technologies.

I would guess the key here is the "researchers reported that they had developed a drone they're calling the CoulombFly, which is capable of self-powered hovering for as long as the Sun is shining."

It only seems to operate off the solar power, no additional power. So the light keeps shining, the drone keeps flying.

Right, I'm can see that. I'm asking, is this the first example in the solar rotary-wing (miniature) aircraft category, or are there any other prior examples?

Also.. ground effect?

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