PHASA-35 Stratospheric Flight

September 1, 2023

BAE Systems
Arlington, VA
571-488-0456
www.baesystems.com

British engineers have successfully completed a stratospheric flight trial of BAE Systems’ High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) - PHASA-35. Over a 24-hour period, PHASA-35 soared to more than 66,000 feet, reaching the stratosphere, before landing successfully. The trial, completed in June in New Mexico, allowed engineers to assess the performance of the experimental solar-electric drone within the outer-reaches of the planet’s atmosphere.

The flight marks a significant milestone in PHASA-35’s development which began in 2018. Designed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary Prismatic Ltd to operate above the weather and conventional air traffic, it has the potential to provide a persistent and stable platform for various uses including ultra-long endurance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as security.

It also has the potential to be used in the delivery of communications networks including 4G and 5G and could be used in a wide range of applications, such as disaster relief and border protection, as an alternative to traditional airborne and satellite systems.

The PHASA-35 program sits within FalconWorks, a new center for advanced and agile research and development within BAE Systems’ air sector, designed to deliver a range of cutting-edge combat air capabilities to the UK and its allies. PHASA-35, which has a 35 meter wingspan and carries a 15 kilogram payload, uses a range of world-leading technologies including advanced composites, energy management, solar electric cells and photovoltaic arrays to provide energy during the day which is stored in rechargeable cells to maintain flight overnight.

The successful trial assessed the performance of the experimental system across a range of areas. It is the first in a series of trials planned to confirm system performance, support development activities and validate test points to enable PHASA-35 to be made available in defense and commercial markets internationally.

This test flight at White Sands Missile Range was coordinated and directly supported by personnel attached to Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Detachment White Sands.

Visit Here