PHASA-35® completes first successful stratospheric flight

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 before landing successfully.  The trial, at Spaceport America in New Mexico, flying in the White Sands Missile Range, allowed engineers to assess the performance of the experimental solar-electric drone within the outer-reaches of the planet’s atmosphere. The trials program is sponsored by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center.

This was 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 defence and commercial markets internationally.

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 (ISR), as well as security. BAE Systems acquired Prismatic Ltd in September 2019, having previously worked together on the development of PHASA-35.

PHASA-35 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 program sits within FalconWorks™, a new centre 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-metre wingspan and carries a 15kg payload, uses a range of technologies including advanced composites, energy management, solar electric cells and photo-voltaic arrays to provide energy during the day which is stored in rechargeable cells to maintain flight overnight.

Dave Corfield, CEO of Prismatic Ltd, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and shows the commitment of BAE Systems to invest in new technologies and markets. PHASA-35’s first stratospheric flight demonstrates that this vehicle is on track to become the go-to system for long endurance, high altitude and communications applications in the future.”

He also paid tribute to partner companies including Piran, Amprius, Microlink, Honeywell, PMW Dynamics and the UK Meteorological Office.