UK orders Zephyr 8s
The UK's decision to acquire the Airbus Defence and Space solar-powered Zephyr 8 high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) craft has been formalised with an order for two systems placed with the company by the Ministry of Defence, Airbus announced on 18 February.
Zephyr 8 is a very high altitude UAS (65,000ft) designed to provide surveillance over sea and land. The system can host communications links over wide areas, flying above weather systems and loitering over a selected area under the guidance of ground controller.
Zephyr 8 has a wingspan of 25 metres, and it can carry 50% more batteries and is 30% lighter than its predecessor, the Zephyr 7. The aircraft is designed to fly continuously for over a month before landing, being refurbished, and flying again.
Zephyrs can be used for military operations, precision farming, humanitarian missions, environmental and security monitoring, and to provide internet coverage in regions of zero or poor connectivity.
Airbus Defence and Space has started building the first Zephyr 8 at its Farnborough facility in the UK. The HAPS craft is scheduled to fly in mid-2017.
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