Zephyr UAV Bids for the Record Book
September 6th, 2010The recent uninterrupted two-week flight by QinetiQ’s Zephyr solar-powered UAV has the company bidding for three world records. QinetiQ has filed with the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) for ratification of a laundry list of achievements for its high-altitude long endurance (HALE) Unmanned Air System (UAS).
The records being claimed include: the absolute duration record for a UAV—at 336 hrs, 22 minutes; the duration record for a UAV in the U/1.c / 50–500 kg category—also 336 hrs, 22 minutes; and the absolute altitude record for a UAV (in the above category)—at 70,740ft (21,561m).
Zephyr was launched at 0641 (MST) on July 9, 2010 and remained airborne for 14 nights above the US Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The aircraft landed safely on the morning of July 23, having achieving all the objectives of the trial.
An official from the FAI, the world air sports federation, monitored every aspect of Zephyr’s progress at Yuma, from launch to safe landing. “We now await official FAI confirmation that we have met all necessary criteria,” said Jon Saltmarsh, the Zephyr programme’s director.
QinetiQ says Zephyr can be transported in a standard road transport container, and can remain above a general area continuously for weeks, if not months, delivering vital capability at a fraction of the cost of satellites and significantly more cost-effectively than other conventionally powered manned or unmanned aircraft. The elimination of the need to return to base at regular intervals for re-fuelling or servicing helps to minimise the logistical supply chain, extending the Zephyr’s operational capability. Its zero emissions also make it exceptionally environmentally friendly.
During the Yuma trial, Zephyr carried a communications payload configured to meet the needs of the UK Ministry of Defence. In addition to the obvious defence and security applications, possible commercial uses include environmental research, monitoring crops and pollution, providing tactical intelligence over disaster zones or forest fires, and delivering mobile communications capabilities in remote areas.
