* *
* * *
*
* Home > Products  > Zephyr® - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) *
*
* * *
*

Zephyr® - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)

“At present long endurance is measured in terms of hours. Ultimately we are thinking in terms of months. The current development programme has the potential to extend Zephyr’s mission endurance to around three months, which could force a wholesale change to the way in which the industry thinks about UAV operations.”
Paul Davey, Development Director for the Zephyr UAV, QinetiQ

*

Zephyr High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre aircraft. It flies on solar power generated by amorphous silicon arrays covering the aircraft’s wings, no thicker than sheets of paper. It is powered day and night by rechargeable lithium-sulphur batteries that are recharged during the day using solar power. The aircraft uses United Solar Ovonic solar arrays, a full flight-set of Sion Power batteries, as well as a novel solar-charger and bespoke autopilot developed by QinetiQ.

Potential applications for Zephyr include earth observation and communications relay.
*
Zephyr Zephyr has secured a place in the history of UAV development by attaining the world record for the longest duration unmanned flight. The aircraft achieved a 54-hour flight, reaching an altitude of 58,355 feet in September 2007.
Click here to expand image
*

Features

  • Ultra-lightweight, Zephyr weighs only 30kg with a wingspan of up to 18 metres
  • Launched by hand
  • Powered by solar batteries recharged during the day
  • Currently holds the record for the longest duration unmanned flight
*
Related sections
> Unmanned Air Systems
> Technology Showcase (Flash required)
contact us
Back to top Back to top
*
* * *
* *
*   *