BAE Systems has detailed its latest series of test flights using the Prismatic-developed PHASA-35, as it promotes the ultra-long-endurance type for operational use from 2026.
“The solar-powered aircraft flew for 24h, climbing to more than 66,000ft and cruising in the stratosphere, before successfully landing in a serviceable condition, meaning it was ready to fly again just two days later,” BAE says.
Launched from the Spaceport America site in New Mexico and flown over the White Sands Missile Range, the recent activity was sponsored by the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center.
Described as a high-altitude pseudo-satellite, the uncrewed aerial system weighs 150kg (330lb), has a 35m (115ft) wingspan, and a payload capacity of 15kg. It has been designed to perform military roles such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and was equipped with a BAE-developed software-defined radio payload for the recent campaign.
“These latest flight trials are a significant step forward in proving PHASA-35’s capability for operations,” says Bob Davidson, chief executive of BAE subsidiary Prismatic. “We’re committed to continuing to develop PHASA-35 at pace to make it available for operational activity as soon as 2026.”
Meanwhile, BAE says a further development of the aircraft has been built at Prismatic’s facility in Alton, Hampshire, the UK. “The new model has more than twice the onboard solar power generation and storage capacity than the current version,” it states. “These modifications are expected to allow it to demonstrate stratospheric missions of increasing duration and complexity from next year onwards.”
Dave Holmes, managing director, of BAE’s FalconWorks advanced research and development arm, says the recent programme successes “demonstrate the credibility and capability of the system for operational use”.
In addition to its potential military applications, BAE also sees the PHASA-35 platform as suitable for use in the civilian sphere as a communications network node, or to support tasks such as border protection and disaster relief.
A first stratospheric flight of the PHASA-35 took place in late 2023, also from New Mexico.
