Voting
?What about new design for our website
- Excellent
- Very Good
- Good
Voting Number 1647
- Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed attends specialised demonstrations by 22nd cohort of UAE National Service Programme at Sweihan Training Centre
- Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses display of skills of National Service Programme recruits
- 44 Interns Join Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Technology Internship in Abu Dhabi
- DCI’s OCA Steers MDO Command Course
- EDGE Recognised as ‘Best Company to Work For’ at the Employee Happiness Awards 2025
- Raytheon and Northrop Grumman Achieve Milestone in Next-Gen Interceptor Rocket Motor Tests
- SMARTSHOOTER Secures USD13 M U.S. Army Contract for Fire Control Systems
- L3Harris Boosts Space Force Defences with Mobile Satellite Comms Jammer
- MH-139A Concludes Nuclear Transport Training Exercise
- EDGE Signs MoU to Localise Maintenance Capabilities of Thales’ Advanced Optronic Systems in the UAE
- Babcock Wins Contract to Support Nuclear Submarine Defueling Operations
- Embraer to Offer Gogo Galileo HDX In-Flight Connectivity for Phenom 300
- Germany to Acquire Joint Strike Missiles for F-35s in Deal with Kongsberg
- BAE Systems to Build 10 Missile Warning Satellites Under U.S. Space Force Deal
- EDGE Signs Record-Breaking AED 9 Billion Naval Contract with Kuwait Ministry of Defence
- Hamdan bin Mohammed attends graduation ceremony of 43rd cohort of Zayed II Military College in Al Ain
- Saab Showcases Locally Developed Coast Control Radar at Make it in the Emirates 2025
- EDGE Entity EPI Receives Prestigious Accreditation from EIAC for Calibration
- Make it in the Emirates 2025 Concludes Successful Day Three under the Theme of Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, and Artificial Intelligence
- Tawazun Council and Thales Sign Agreement to Establish Ground Master Air Surveillance Radar Production Facility in UAE
2023-08-10
BAE Systems’ Drone PHASA-35 Offers Alternative to Satellites
BAE Systems’ PHASA-35, a solar-electric, ultra-light weight High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), has successfully completed its first stratospheric flight trial.
The novel aircraft, designed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary Prismatic Ltd., provides an alternative and flexible approach to conventional systems such as satellites or conventionally powered aircraft for the provision of persistent and cost-effective imagery and communications.
In a remarkable display of aviation innovation, the solar-electric drone achieved a stratospheric flight trial in June, surpassing an altitude of 66,000 feet before safely landing.
Conducted in New Mexico, U.S., the trial provided engineers with valuable insights into the performance of this experimental drone in the outer reaches of the Earth’s atmosphere, over a 24-hour period.
PHASA-35, which has a 35-metre wingspan and carries a 15kg payload, uses a range of world-leading 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.
Significant Milestone
BAE Systems acquired Prismatic Ltd in September 2019, having worked together on the development of PHASA-35 since 2018.
The flight marks a significant milestone in the drone’s development which began in 2018. Intended 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, as well as security.
Designed to offer an enduring and steady platform for monitoring, surveillance, communications, and security purposes, the drone aims to fulfil the needs of military and commercial customers. By integrating with various technologies and assets, it promises to deliver capabilities that surpass those provided by current air and space platforms.
It 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 PHASA-35 programme sits within FalconWorks, a new centre for advanced and agile research and development within BAE Systems’ Air sector, aimed at delivering a range of cutting-edge combat air capabilities to the UK and its allies.
Performance Evaluation
The successful trial comprehensively evaluated the performance of the experimental system across various domains. This trial serves as the initial step in a series of planned assessments, aiming to validate test points, support development activities, and confirm system performance.
Ultimately, these trials will pave the way for the international deployment of PHASA-35 in both defence and commercial markets.
Dave Corfield, CEO of Prismatic Ltd, explained: “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 added: “The successful trials are a testament to the hard work of the team that we have built over the last couple of years within Prismatic and across our partner companies including Piran, Amprius, Microlink, Honeywell, PMW Dynamics and the Met Office. I look forward to the next steps as we develop this unique system.”
Cliff Robson, Group Managing Director for BAE Systems’ Air Sector, stated: “PHASA-35 is breaking new ground — opening up the stratosphere to new possibilities. The team, which brings together BAE Systems’ know-how from across the globe with innovative solar and power management technologies, demonstrated tremendous commitment as they tackled the challenges associated with novel technologies and approaches. This partnership approach is key to our ability to enhance our defence expertise with new thinking and technologies.”
The latest trials were held at Spaceport America in New Mexico within the White Sands Missile Range. These trials were sponsored by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Technical Center, with support provided by personnel from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Detachment White Sands.
Visitors Comments
Related Topics
.
No Comments