# Durable Autonomous Drones This Gas-Powered Drone Can Fly For Five Days On a Single Tank By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2017-06-28 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gas-powered-autonomous-drone References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/27/mits-gas-powered-drone-is-able-to-stay-in-the-air-for-five-days-at-a-time/) & [news.mit.edu](http://news.mit.edu/2017/drones-stay-aloft-five-days-0607) A group of engineers at [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot) have developed a truly exceptional autonomous drone that is designed to stay in the air for up to five days at a time on a single talk of gasoline. This particular autonomous drone started off as a solar-powered flight contraption, but solar functionality was soon replaced by gasoline once it became apparent that the 24-foot-wide drone would struggle to stay in the air for days at a time on solar power alone. Constructed using lightweight kevlar and carbon fiber, this autonomous drone is large enough to carry communication tools onboard. This feature, coupled with the drone's incredible flight time, makes it an ideal device for [disaster relief initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ems-drone). What's more, it could also be used to help deliver Internet access to far-flung parts of the world. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Durable Autonomous Drones:** New drone technology that can stay in the air for extended periods has disruptive potential for disaster relief efforts. - **Gas-powered Autonomous Drones:** The use of gasoline as a power source for autonomous drones presents opportunities for long-duration flights and remote communication. - **Drone-enabled Internet Access:** Using drones to deliver Internet access to remote areas could bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for connectivity. ### Who This Affects Most - **Aerospace:** The aerospace industry can explore the use of durable, gas-powered drones for various applications, such as surveillance and disaster response. - **Telecommunications:** Telecommunications companies can leverage gas-powered autonomous drones to extend connectivity to remote areas and improve communication networks. - **Disaster Relief:** The use of durable autonomous drones in disaster relief efforts can help facilitate communication, increase efficiency, and save lives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heavy Payload-Accommodating Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefly-drone.md) - [Autonomous Cargo Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cargo-drones.md) - [Extreme-Heat Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa.md) - [Autonomous VTOL Cargo Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vtol-cargo-drone.md) - [Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogenpowered-commercial-drone.md) - [Hazardous Weather-Ready Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tf-g1.md) - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Flying Aquatic Maintenance Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaair-integrated-drone.md) - [Waterproof Self-Flying Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-aqua-drone.md)