BAE Systems PHASA-35

The BAE Systems Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft (PHASA-35) is a High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by BAE Systems in collaboration with Prismatic. Designed as a cheaper alternative to satellites, the aircraft can be used for surveillance, border control, communications and disaster relief with a potential ability to stay airborne for up to 12 months. Developed in less than two years, the aircraft carried out its first flight in February 2020 and further trials are currently ongoing.

PHASA-35
Concept image of the aircraft in flight.
Role High-Altitude Long Endurance unmanned aerial vehicle
National origin United Kingdom
Manufacturer BAE Systems / Prismatic
First flight 17 February 2020
Produced 2018–present

Development

Engineers from BAE Systems and Prismatic began working on the aircraft in 2018 with a first flight planned for 2019. Prior to this, a quarter-scale model, named the PHASE-8, completed a successful first flight in 2017.[1] In September 2019, BAE Systems acquired Prismatic as a subsidiary.[2]

After less than two years in development, the aircraft made its maiden flight on 17 February 2020 at the Woomera Test Range in Australia with support from the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Australian Defence Science and Technology Group.[3] Further trials commenced and, in October 2020, the aircraft carried out an endurance trial whilst carrying a sensor payload. The trials saw the aircraft operating 72 hours whilst in a simulated environment of harsh stratospheric conditions.[4]

In January 2021, BAE Systems announced plans to carry out a flight demonstration in the United States after acknowledging “strong growing interest” in the aircraft from across the U.S. Department of Defense and federal agency customer base.[5]

Design

The aircraft is a solar-electric HALE UAV designed as a cheaper alternative to satellites and is able to carry out a range of tasks, including border protection, maritime and military surveillance, disaster relief and communications.[6] It is powered by the sun during the day, before switching to battery power during the night and can potentially stay airborne for 12 months. Featuring long-life battery technology, ultra-lightweight solar cells, a 35-metre (115 ft) wingspan and a weight of 150 kilograms (330 lb), the aircraft is designed to operate in the stratosphere.[1]

References
  1. "Solar UAV to be developed with the potential to stay airborne for a year". BAE Systems. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  2. "BAE Systems acquires solar drone partner Prismatic". The Engineer. 10 September 2019. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  3. "Ground-breaking solar powered unmanned aircraft makes first flight". BAE Systems. 17 February 2020. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  4. "PHASA-35 successfully completes critical endurance trials with sensor payload". sUAS News. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  5. "BAE Plans U.S. PHASA-35 Demonstrations". Aviation Week. 25 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  6. "PHASA-35". BAE Systems. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
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