BAE Systems’ PHASA-35 aircraft during its first stratospheric flight Photo: Business Wire

BAE Systems completed a stratospheric flight last month of its HAPS vehicle PHASA-35. In a recent 24-hour test, PHASA-35 flew to more than 66,000 feet to reach the stratosphere, and then landed successfully. 

PHASA-35 is a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS), developed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary Prismatic Ltd. It has a 35-meter wingspan and carries a 15 kg payload and uses electric cells and photo-voltaic arrays to provide energy during the day. The test assessed the experimental solar-electric drone in the stratosphere. 

BAE Systems plans to conduct more tests and market the vehicle to defense and commercial markets internationally. PHASA-35 has the potential to be used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or security, and also to deliver 4G and 5G communications for disaster relief and border protection.

“This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and shows the commitment of BAE Systems to invest in new technologies and markets,” said Dave Corfield, CEO of Prismatic Ltd. “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.”