Drone That Flies for Over 10 Hours Gains Attention as Air-Inflated Fixed-Wing Aircraft

A pressurized fiber casing and air-inflatable wings enable the dAS10 fixed-wing drone to generate lift with minimal energy, allowing for over 10 hours of autonomous flight. Developed by French aerospace startup Celeste Ecoflyers, the dAS10 can carry up to 5kg of equipment and operate at speeds of 60-80km/h. Its compact, foldable design facilitates transport and storage, while its radar-reflective properties make it uniquely suited for infrastructure monitoring. The drone's potential to reduce operational costs by up to 75% compared to traditional helicopter inspections has positioned it as a groundbreaking solution for pipeline and energy network monitoring, with commercial testing planned for late 2026.