Breakthrough stratospheric flight for BAE Systems’ PHASA-35

Last month in the USA's New Mexico, engineers successfully completed a trial where PHASA-35, an experimental solar-electric drone, soared to over 66,000 feet and reached the stratosphere. This achievement enabled them to evaluate the drone's performance in the outer-reaches of the Earth's atmosphere. After the 24-hour period, the drone landed successfully, marking a significant milestone in its development and potential applications.

The PHASA-35 drone was designed by Prismatic Ltd, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, with the purpose of operating above weather disturbances and conventional air traffic. Its unique design and capabilities make it a promising platform for a range of applications. One such application is its potential to serve as a persistent and stable platform for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with ultra-long endurance. Additionally, it holds promise for security-related purposes. With its extended flight capabilities, PHASA-35 opens up possibilities for various use cases that benefit from a high-altitude, long-endurance platform.

Indeed, the PHASA-35 drone has the potential to be utilised in the delivery of communication networks, including 4G and 5G. Its high-altitude operation and extended endurance make it an attractive option for establishing or enhancing connectivity in remote or disaster-affected areas. By acting as a relay platform, it can help bridge communication gaps and provide connectivity where traditional airborne and satellite systems may face limitations.

The PHASA-35 programme is part of FalconWorks, a newly established centre for advanced and agile research and development within BAE Systems' Air sector. FalconWorks aims to provide a diverse range of cutting-edge combat air capabilities to the United Kingdom and its allied nations.

PHASA-35 boasts a range of impressive features, including a 35-metre wingspan and the capacity to carry a 15kg payload. Advanced composites contribute to its lightweight yet sturdy structure, while energy management systems ensure efficient power utilisation. The integration of solar electric cells and photovoltaic arrays enables PHASA-35 to harness solar energy during the day, storing it in rechargeable cells for sustained flight capabilities throughout the night.

The successful trial of PHASA-35 encompassed a comprehensive evaluation of the experimental system across various aspects. This trial marked the beginning of a series of planned assessments, aiming to confirm and validate the system's performance, support ongoing development activities, and establish key test points. The ultimate goal is to make PHASA-35 available in international defence and commercial markets. These trials serve as crucial milestones in advancing the drone's readiness for deployment, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability in meeting the demands of diverse operational environments.

“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. The successful trials are a testament to the hard work of the fantastic 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,” said Dave Corfield, CEO of Prismatic Ltd.

“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 and ambition 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,” said Cliff Robson, Group Managing Director for BAE Systems’ Air Sector.