The Pacific Ocean Drone Challenge

What lies between the Pacific coasts of Japan and Silicon Valley?

About 4,500 miles of ocean, of course! A distance easily traveled by commercial airlines but certainly beyond the reach of non-military drones.

But is that about to change?

Yes. If, that is, a winner emerges from the Pacific Drone Challenge.

The challenge

This new competition challenges pilots and scientists around the world to fly a UAV from Japan to Silicon Valley, California. Furthermore, as the flight must be non-stop, there is no chance to refuel.

This event is a daunting 4,500 mile challenge for all technology innovators. And, though such a challenge seems beyond current capabilities, it is viewed as a way to extend possibilities and the reach of technology. Much as Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight across the English channel did for aviation.

The contest is open to participants around the world and there is no deadline. The winner is the first team to successfully take off from Japan and land safely in Sunnyvale, California.

No prize money

Currently, the Pacific Drone Challenge is more of a “what if” question than a formal competition. The 4,500 distance extends well beyond the reach of current non-military drones.

As of yet, the competition is not offering any prize money for winning teams.

So far, competing teams include the Japanese tech company, iRobotics, and the American aircraft company, Sabrewing. Both are sponsors of the challenge

Endless possibilities

If a team successfully complete the challenge, the new technology developed for such an adventure may just benefit the entire industry. Certainly, a commercial drone — at a fraction of the size, weight and cost of other aircrafts –  that can fly 4,500 miles non-stop offers significant benefits.

Find out more about the Pacific Drone Challenge.