Airbus Defence and Space last week displayed the first produced Zephyr S HAPS aircraft satellites. This took place at an aircraft show in Farnborough. The Zephyr is the world's first unmanned aircraft satellite.
During the presentation of the first production of the promising aircraft satellite, Airbus also announced the opening of a production facility for the Zephyr. This is an important step in the Zephyr programme intensively deployed by Airbus.
Complementary to satellites
Zephyr is the world's leading solar-electric, stratospheric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It uses the sun's rays operating solely on solar energy, and operates above conventional air traffic; thereby filling a capacity gap of satellites, UAVs and manned aircraft to provide affordable and sustained local satellite-like services.
Named after the late Chris Kelleher, the inventor of Zephyr, the opening of production facilities is part of a major focus by Airbus on the Zephyr programme. The Kelleher facility represents the first serial HAPS assembly line worldwide.
Milestone
"Today represents an important milestone in the Zephyr programme. The facility is home to the world's leading Pseudo-satellite and will be a showcase site, linked to our operational airbases around the world. The Zephyr S aircraft is demonstrably years ahead of any comparable system and I am more than proud of the Airbus team for their unparalleled success. Today, we have created a new future for stratospheric flight ", said Dirk Hoke, Chief Executive Officer of Defence and Space.
This milestone in the programme comes as the Zephyr aircraft is currently flying after departing for its maiden flight from Arizona, US, a few days ago. This flight is supported by both the UK and US governments and reflects the UK Ministry of Defence's position as the first customer for this innovative and potentially game-changing capability.
First flight
The first flight of the Zephyr S is intended to prove and demonstrate its aircraft capabilities, with a landing date to be confirmed once the technical targets are met. Until today, the Zephyr aircraft has recorded nearly 1,000 hours of flight time.
Sophie Thomas, head of the Zephyr programme at Airbus, added: "Firstly, I would like to thank Defence Equipment & Support, the procurement arm of the UK Ministry of Defence, for their continued support of the Zephyr programme. Zephyr offers new opportunities for seeing, feeling and connecting for both military and commercial customers. Zephyr offers the potential for a revolution in disaster management, including monitoring the spread of forest fires or oil spills. It provides continuous monitoring, tracks the changing environmental landscape of the world and offers communication to the most unconnected parts of the world. "
Future Airbus will fly Zephyr S from their new operating site at Wyndham Airport in Western Australia. This has been chosen as the first launch and recovery site for the Zephyr UAV, mainly because of its largely unrestricted airspace and reliable weather. The site will be operational from September 2018.
Source: Airbus
