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Experimental Zephyr drone sets new record for uncrewed flight duration


The solar-powered, high-altitude Airbus Zephyr S took off from the U.S. Army's Yuma Proving Ground on June 15, 2022 and has since been flying patterns over the Yuma Test Range and Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. 

The flight has now broken Zephyr's previous record of 25 days, 23 hours that it set in August 2018. The latest flight has seen Zephyr reach a number of additional milestones including its first flight over water, first flight into international airspace, the longest continuous flight while being controlled through satellite communications, and the farthest flight from its launch point, according to a U.S. Army statement.

Related: Pseudo-Satellite Drone Flies for 25 Days Straight, Sets Endurance Record

Zephyr features a narrow, almost skeletal-looking fuselage and wings boasting a wingspan of 82 feet (25 meters). Despite its large size, the drone is made from lightweight carbon fiber composites, bringing its overall weight down to just 165 pounds (75 kilograms).

Airbus describes Zephyr as "the first stratospheric UAS of its kind" which is able to fly continuously for spans of months at a time. The aircraft is known as a "High Altitude Platform Station," or HAPS, sometimes referred to as a pseudo-satellite. This class of aircraft is designed to remain aloft for extended periods while using solar energy to charge its onboard batteries, which are then used to keep the aircraft flying at night. Thanks to its energy storage system, Airbus claims Zephyr's in-flight operation is completely carbon neutral.

Zephyr can carry a wide range of payloads of up to 50 pounds (22.5 kg) including optical, infrared, LIDAR and hyperspectral sensors, radar and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and even early warning systems. Because the drone operates at altitudes of around 70,000 feet (21,340 m), it is able to observe an area on the ground measuring 12 by 18 miles (20 by 30 kilometers).

These capabilities, along with Zephyr's unique endurance abilities, make it well-suited for operations such as maritime security or border surveillance, where it could continuously stand watch over a given location for up to weeks at a time.

Because Zephyr flies at such high altitudes for such long periods, it could also be used as a communications relay platform, sending signals between other aircraft and ground stations, for example, that are too far from one another to establish a line-of-sight link on their own. “Our connectivity services will provide a viable alternative and complement to terrestrial and satellite-based connectivity solutions, allowing for the first time low-latency and direct-to-device connectivity across vast geographies, and economically," Airbus said in a statement.

After its current record-breaking flight concludes, Zephyr will next be tested over the Pacific Ocean while carrying a U.S. Army-developed payload in the coming weeks.

 

Conclusion:

The Airbus Zephyr S, a solar-powered, high-altitude drone, has achieved remarkable milestones during its recent flight, breaking its endurance record previously set in 2018. This flight included its first journey over water, entry into international airspace, and the longest continuous flight controlled through satellite communication. With its lightweight carbon fibre construction and advanced energy storage system, Zephyr exemplifies a new class of aircraft known as High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS). These drones can fly for months at a time, using solar energy to charge onboard batteries, making their operations carbon neutral. Zephyr's extensive payload capacity and ability to operate at around 70,000 feet make it valuable for various applications, including maritime security, border surveillance, and communication relay.

 

 

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is the purpose of the Airbus Zephyr S drone?

The Airbus Zephyr S is a high-altitude drone designed for extended months-long flights. It is primarily used for maritime security, border surveillance, and communication relay applications, thanks to its endurance and ability to operate at high altitudes.

 

How does the Zephyr S achieve long-duration flights?

Zephyr S relies on solar energy to charge its onboard batteries during the day, which are then used to power the aircraft at night, allowing it to fly continuously for extended periods. This unique energy storage system makes its in-flight operations carbon neutral.

 

What are the key milestones achieved during Zephyr's recent flight?

Zephyr set several milestones during its latest flight, including its first flight over water, the first entry into international airspace, the longest continuous flight controlled through satellite communications, and the farthest flight from its launch point. These achievements demonstrate its capabilities as a high-altitude pseudo-satellite.

 

What is the payload capacity of the Airbus Zephyr S?

The Zephyr S can carry payloads of up to 50 pounds (22.5 kg), which may include optical, infrared, LIDAR, hyperspectral sensors, radar, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and early warning systems. Its high-altitude operation allows it to observe a significant area on the ground.

 

How can the Zephyr S be used for communication purposes?

Due to its ability to operate at high altitudes for extended periods, the Zephyr S can serve as a communications relay platform. It can establish connections between other aircraft and ground stations that are too distant to establish direct line-of-sight links, enabling low-latency and direct-to-device connectivity over vast geographical areas.

 

What are the plans for the Airbus Zephyr S?

After completing its record-breaking flight, the Zephyr S will undergo testing over the Pacific Ocean while carrying a U.S. Army-developed payload in the coming weeks. This reflects its ongoing role in military and strategic applications.

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