Airbus Solar Powered Drone fly for 18 days Straight

Airbus Zephyr solar-powered high-altitude platform system (HAPS) drone prototype completed its 6 test flights (2 in stratosphere) and touched down in Arizona, United States of America on september 13th.

World Records By Airbus Zephyr S-Prototype

In the test flights, Solar powered drone set new records for time duration of an unmanned flight ever by a solar powered drone prototype by travelling for 18 straight days in the stratosphere, between commercial planes and satellites.

The drone prototype completed a total of 6 flight test, out of which 2 were in the stratosphere. The prototype in one of its test flights to the stratospher set a new world record for any of its kind and reached the height of 76,100-foot (23.2km) from earth.

Another world record by this dront prototype was that, the 2 test flights in the stratospher lasted about 18 days each, with the total of 36 days,

About Airbus Zephyr S-Prototype

Airbus Zephyr Solar Powered Drone prototype weighs a total of 75 KG and have a total wingspan (width from tip of one wing to the tip of other wing) of 25 meters. It has 2 propellers like any other plane but they are quite smaller in size.

It also has sets of frontline and secondary solar-powered batteries to be used as an alternative in the absence of sunlight.

The prototype is more environmentally friendly than a satellite in regards of carbon emissions. It is also cheaper to operate, easier to control.

“It is a sustainable, solar-powered, (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance-) and network-extending solution that can provide vital future connectivity and earth observation to where it is needed.” 

Head of Airbus’ uncrewed aerial systems, Jana Rosenmann

What's the future of Airbus Zephyr Solar Powered HAPS

After the solar-powered HAPS drone is certified and operational, it will provide new see, sense, and connect capabilities to commercial and military customers alike – all 100% free of carbon emissions.

Airbus Officials

The trials were designed to demonstrate the plane’s utility to potential business, government, and defense clients during flights far above restricted airspaces, and within those shared with commercial air traffic.

Airbus Officials