Zephyr S, Airbus’ High-Altitude-Pseudo-Satellite, has surpassed the current flight endurance record of an aircraft without refuelling of 14 days, 22 minutes and 8 seconds and continues to pioneer the stratosphere.
The Zephyr aircraft departed for its maiden flight from Arizona, USA on 11th July 2018.
Airbus designs solar-powered aircraft, for a wide scope of applications, ranging for example from maritime surveillance and services, border patrol missions, communications, and navigation. Operating in the stratosphere at an average altitude of 70,000 feet / 21 kilometres, the ultra-lightweight Zephyr has a wingspan of 25 meters and a weigh of less than 75kg, and flies above weather (clouds, jet streams) and above regular air traffic, covering local or regional footprints. UAV may be used at (ISR/Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance) missions as the Zephyr has the ability to stay focused on a specific area of interest while providing it with satellite-like communications and Earth observation services over long periods of time without interruption.
