Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and developer of state-of-the-art, flexible thin-film photovoltaic (PV) modules, along with Silent Falcon UAS Technologies (SFUAS), announced the successful first flights of the production Silent Falcon™ Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) powered by Ascent Solar's ultra-lightweight, flexible photovoltaic modules. Silent Falcon™ UAS, jointly developed by SFUAS, Bye AEROSPACE and Ascent Solar, is a tactical drone designed to be easily deployed, and integrates proprietary, disruptive technology to deliver superior UAS performance.

The patent-pending Silent Falcon is a solar/electric powered, all composite and modular small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) equipped with an interchangeable wing configuration designed for commercial, public safety and defense applications both domestically and internationally. The combination of efficient aerodynamic design, lightweight composite construction and Ascent's monolithically integrated and ultra-lightweight thin film photovoltaic modules, enables the 25 lb. Silent Falcon™ UAS a remarkable 6 to 12 hour flight endurance.

“These first flights represent the culmination of tremendous collaboration between Ascent Solar, Bye AEROSAPACE, and Silent Falcon UAS,” stated Dr. Joseph Armstrong, Chief Technology Officer of Ascent Solar. “Overcoming technological challenges, our teams have demonstrated the ability to integrate our flexible photovoltaics with appropriate power management systems into a feature-rich small unmanned aircraft system enabling extended mission flight time and, as a result, enhanced mission flexibility. More importantly, the photovoltaic modules integrated into the wings represent a lightweight version of our production materials, and as such, are immediately available.”

“The Silent Falcon's unprecedented performance and value is ready for the market place as we transitioned from prototype and commenced low rate initial production,” said John Brown, President of SFUAS. “Our sales teams are targeting domestic, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region.”