China’s “Nuclear Drone” Can Fly Forever Without Needing To Land Or Power-Up – Beijing Start-Up Claims
Beijing-based start-up Betavolt Technology claims to have developed a battery that “could enable devices like smartphones to operate indefinitely without recharging or drones to fly without landing.”
The company’s website claims that the ‘nuclear-powered BV100’, which is smaller than a coin, can provide power for 50 years without the need for recharging. The prototype battery harnesses energy released by nuclear isotopes and uses semiconductors to convert that energy into electrical power.
With a power output of 100 microwatts and 3 volts, the tiny 15 x 15 x 5mm battery, which can withstand temperatures of 120 to minus 60 degrees Celsius, could be used in military applications like continuously flying drones or for deep-sea monitoring devices, aside from general civilian use.