PHASA-35, the drone that aims to replace geostationary satellites
BAE Systems has announced that it has completed a major test for its new fragile-looking and lightweight spy aircraft called the Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft (Phasa-35). Delicately constructed and very light, the aircraft was designed to fly at high altitude for days. Powered by small electric motors, the drone features incredibly long wings made of solar panels that, when paired with lithium batteries, can keep it aloft for weeks, if not months.
New pioneering class
“Designed by BAE Systems subsidiary Prismatic Ltd., PHASA-35 is a new ultra-lightweight, solar-electric high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) unmanned aerial system (UAS) that provides an alternative and flexible approach to conventional systems such as satellites or conventionally powered aircraft for the provision of persistent, cost-effective imagery and communications,” explains BAE Systems.
The Phasa-35 has a wingspan of 115 feet (35 meters) and its body is made of “pencil-thin” carbon fiber. The plane is so light that it weighs only 331 pounds (150 kilograms). It also has no landing gear and takes off using a discarded disposable landing gear. The Phasa-35 performs a controlled landing on its belly and its twin-engine pods when necessary. Its propellers are then replaced before the next mission.
The test flight took place in July of this year (2023) at a US military range in New Mexico. The region's climate is believed to be perfect to give the Phasa-35 the best chance of reaching an altitude of 20,000 metres. This is about double the altitude at which commercial aircraft travel. At this altitude, New Mexico's relatively mild climate also tends to lack strong winds that could disturb the plane and send it crashing into Terra Firma.
The HAPS UAS moves slowly at 55 mph (89 km/h) as it climbs towards its high-altitude destination. It is so slow that if it encounters strong winds at altitude, it can gain altitude by flying "backwards" relative to the ground.
Military strategists in the US and the UK are considering the potential of HAPS as a replacement for traditional satellites, even those in low orbit. The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) has developed “Project Aether”, which includes high-altitude balloons and solar-powered aircraft in their pseudo-satellite trials.
By carrying a compact set of cameras or sensors, a HAPS aircraft can hover over a specific location for an extended period, monitoring communications or providing intelligence on enemy troop activities. During the Phasa-35 tests, a laser survey system was used to monitor weather conditions and wind speed every 500 feet (152 meters) up to the pseudo-satellite's final altitude. This precise approach to weather forecasting allowed Phasa-35 to avoid any turbulent weather.
Many HAPS possibilities
According to Phil Varty, Phasa-35 commercial development manager at BAE Systems, the pseudo-satellites can actually remain stationary, providing a similar function to geostationary satellites. This feature appeals to military and commercial customers, with the former using it to observe a specific area for an extended period.
Commercial customers would also find useful applications such as, for example, the use of several pseudo-satellites to provide Internet connections in remote areas. BAE Systems is now set to enhance the capability of the Phasa-35 by producing four additional aircraft at its plant in Alton, Hampshire, England.
Thanks to our Telegram channel you can stay updated on the publication of new Economic Scenarios articles.
The article PHASA-35, the drone that aims to replace geostationary satellites comes from Economic Scenarios .
This is a machine translation of a post published on Scenari Economici at the URL https://scenarieconomici.it/phasa-35-il-drone-che-punta-a-sostituire-i-satelliti-geostazionari/ on Sun, 01 Oct 2023 20:14:02 +0000.