© BAE Systems

One of the biggest problems associated with drones is their inability to stay airborne for long. Most drones have a battery life of around 20 minutes before needing a recharge. This is where a British aerospace company known as Prismatic saw an opportunity. Prismatic is working on a solar powered drone that will have the ability to stay airborne for a whole year without needing any maintenance or charging.

Prismatic’s Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft (PHASA-35) will not be for passengers but will be able to carry a load of up to 15kg. According to scientists in the drone industry, the PHASA-35 is the most advanced of the new class of automatic drones and should be ready for testing in 2019. It has the potential for many applications, such as remote sensing, surveillance, military applications, internet and replacing satellites.

The PHASA-35 is made of lightweight carbon fiber and weighs just 150 kg. As indicated by the name, the PHASA-35 will have a wingspan of 35 meters which will house solar panels that replenish the drone’s rechargeable batteries during the day for use during the night. The drone is designed to fly at around 60 knots at an altitude of 55,000-70,000 ft. The drone can handle wind and survive through all seasons throughout the year.

The PHASA-35 is the invention of Prismatic, one of the leading drone technology companies in the UK. They are working with BAE Systems, a renowned aerospace and defense manufacturer to create this drone. When complete, the drones will have many potential applications such as tracking the movement of ships, monitoring forest fires, checking up on a pipeline, inspecting traffic congestion, surveillance during military operations and much more. The PHASA-35 can also be used to deliver internet access to remote areas that are not currently covered by satellites.