BAE Systems Leads Stratospheric Breakthrough with PHASA-35 Solar-Powered Aircraft

BAE Systems Leads Stratospheric Breakthrough with PHASA-35 Solar-Powered Aircraft

(IN BRIEF) BAE Systems’ PHASA-35, a solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS), has successfully completed a series of test flights at Spaceport America, New Mexico, reaching altitudes of over 66,000 feet and demonstrating rapid reusability by relaunching within two days. Designed by Prismatic Ltd, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, the aircraft carried a heavier payload than before, showcasing its potential for ultra-long endurance missions in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The team has also developed an upgraded version with double the solar power capacity, enabling more complex missions starting next year. Collaboration with industry partners, including Honeywell and the UK Met Office, highlights the project’s potential for revolutionizing earth observation and communication technologies.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 20-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A British team of engineers has achieved a significant breakthrough in stratospheric flight technology with the successful testing of BAE Systems’ PHASA-35®, a solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS). The recent series of flight trials, conducted at Spaceport America® in New Mexico, marks a key step toward operational deployment of the aircraft for earth observation and communications.

During its first test flight, PHASA-35 climbed to an altitude exceeding 66,000 feet, remaining in the stratosphere for 24 hours before landing in a serviceable condition. Remarkably, the aircraft was relaunched just two days later, demonstrating its ability to quickly return to the skies after a mission.

Advancing Stratospheric Capabilities

Designed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary Prismatic Ltd, PHASA-35, named after its 35-meter wingspan, is engineered to operate above weather systems and conventional air traffic. It offers a persistent and stable platform for ultra-long endurance missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

“These trials represent a pivotal achievement in demonstrating PHASA-35’s potential for operational use,” said Bob Davidson, CEO of BAE Systems’ Prismatic. “Our team is dedicated to advancing the system’s development, with a goal of readiness for operational deployment by 2026.”

Enhancing Payloads and Power Systems

The trials also showcased PHASA-35’s ability to carry more advanced payloads. For the first time, the aircraft was equipped with a software-defined radio sensor developed by BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence division, weighing over twice as much as the payloads used in previous tests.

At Prismatic’s facility in Alton, Hampshire, the team has already developed an enhanced version of PHASA-35. This iteration boasts double the onboard solar power generation and storage capacity, paving the way for extended stratospheric missions of greater complexity, set to begin next year.

Collaborative Innovation

Prismatic operates under FalconWorks®, BAE Systems’ advanced research and development division within the Air Sector. The recent trials highlight significant collaboration between Prismatic, BAE Systems, and industry partners, including Honeywell and the UK Met Office.

“These trials demonstrate the credibility of PHASA-35 and its potential as a revolutionary system for operational use,” said Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks at BAE Systems.

Next Steps in Development

Data from these trials will be analyzed to further refine and mature the technology, ensuring PHASA-35 is ready for increasingly complex stratospheric missions. The project’s continued progress underscores its potential to transform earth observation and communication capabilities.

Media Contacts:

Adam Morrison
Head of Communications
Air Sector
+44 (0) 3300 498121
+44 (0) 7493 864931

Tom Calverley
Group Media Manager
(+44) 7435 209 025

SOURCE: BAE Systems