British aerospace giant BAE Systems has achieved a significant milestone in developing its solar-powered high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) uncrewed aerial vehicle, PHASA-35.
During recent test flights at Spaceport America in New Mexico, the 35-meter wingspan aircraft successfully flew for 24 hours, reaching altitudes of more than 66,000 feet in the stratosphere.
The PHASA-35, designed to operate above weather patterns and conventional air traffic, demonstrated its ability to launch, fly, land, and quickly relaunch within days. This rapid turnaround capability is a key feature that sets PHASA-35 apart as a potential persistent platform for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
The achievement results from collaboration between BAE Systems subsidiary Prismatic, the wider BAE Systems business, and industry partners, including Honeywell and the UK Met Office. The trials also saw PHASA-35 carry an active ISR sensor payload, a software-defined radio developed by BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence business.
This payload weighed more than twice that of previous test flights, showcasing the aircraft’s ability to accommodate more significant, complex sensor packages. Bob Davidson, CEO of BAE Systems’ Prismatic, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “These latest flight trials are a significant step forward in proving PHASA-35’s capability for operations, and a real moment of pride for our entire team. We’re committed to continuing to develop PHASA-35 at pace to make it available for operational activity as soon as 2026.”
At Prismatic’s facility in Alton, Hampshire, UK, engineers have constructed the next iteration of PHASA-35, incorporating more than double the current version’s onboard solar power generation and storage capacity. These enhancements are expected to enable even longer-duration flights and more complex missions in the stratosphere. The PHASA-35 is designed to harness solar energy using advanced photovoltaic arrays, which charge high-performance batteries to maintain flight overnight. The aircraft’s lightweight composite structure and efficient thermal management systems contribute to its ability to operate at high altitudes for extended periods.
As a HAPS, PHASA-35 offers several advantages over traditional airborne and satellite systems. Its persistence and flexibility make it well-suited for ISR, communications relay, and earth observation applications. The aircraft could support disaster relief efforts, provide border protection, and enable the delivery of 4G and 5G communications networks to remote areas.
Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks at BAE Systems, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, saying, “These latest trials draw on a huge amount of collaboration between Prismatic, the wider BAE Systems business and industry partners, including Honeywell and the UK Met Office. They demonstrate the credibility and capability of the system for operational use.” Looking ahead, the PHASA-35 team will analyze data from the recent trials to refine and mature the technology further. BAE Systems is also constructing two additional development aircraft, slated for their first flights in 2025, as part of the ongoing advancement of the PHASA-35 platform. The successful stratospheric test flights mark a significant step forward in BAE Systems’ efforts to harness the potential of solar-powered, high-altitude uncrewed aircraft. As the PHASA-35 continues to push the boundaries of autonomous stratospheric flight, it holds promise as a versatile, cost-effective solution for a wide range of military and commercial applications.
PHASA-35 completed a 24-hour stratospheric test flight, reaching altitudes over 66,000 feet. The aircraft demonstrated rapid turnaround capability, relaunching within days of landing. BAE Systems collaborated with industry partners to integrate advanced ISR sensor payloads.
The next-generation PHASA-35 will feature enhanced solar power generation and storage capacity PHASA-35 offers the potential for persistent ISR, communications, and earth observation applications. Additional development aircraft are under construction, with the first flights planned for 2025
TLDR
- BAE Systems’ solar-powered PHASA-35 aircraft completed a successful 24-hour test flight, reaching over 66,000 feet in the stratosphere with its 35-meter wingspan
- The aircraft demonstrated quick turnaround capability, being able to launch, land, and relaunch within days while carrying twice its previous payload capacity
- The next version is under construction with double the solar power generation and storage, aiming for operational activity by 2026
- As a high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS), PHASA-35 is designed for intelligence gathering, surveillance, communications relay, and earth observation, with potential applications in disaster relief and providing communications to remote areas
