Drones come in a wide variety of sizes with an equally wide range of uses.  From micro insect spy drones to compact toy drones, from compact HD camera equipped drones to massive military drones, the options are endless.  One goal several companies have tried achieving with drones is to build one that can withstand extended flight times through solar power with the purpose of providing services like internet connectivity.  Through the collaboration of two British companies that goal could be met in as little as a year from now.

British based BAE Systems is a technology and security firm whose “advanced defense technology protects people and national security, and keeps critical information and infrastructure secure.”  With over 85,000 employees in 40 different countries they “search for new ways to provide our customers with a competitive edge across the air, maritime, land and cyberdomains.”  Last May BAE Systems announced they had acquired a much smaller company also based out of England called Prismatic.  Prismatic is a team of around 30 highly skilled individuals dedicated to the science of UAVs.  In 2002 Prismatic created the Zephyr program, which to date is the only successful HALE UAV (High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Arial Vehicle).

Using the technological success they found through the Zephyr program Prismatic began working with BAE to create a drone that could preform in the upper regions of the Earth’s atmosphere while being powered by solar energy.  As stated by a representative from BAE, the purpose of this drone would be to “Provide both military and commercial customers with capabilities that are not currently available from existing air and space platforms at a fraction of the cost of satellites.”  Some of these services could include continuous surveillance, and 5G network connectivity to remote areas like deserts and mountain ranges, and under developed countries.

With the undisclosed financial backing from BAE, Prismatic has built a working prototype of just such a drone called the PHASA-35 (Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft).  This 150 kilogram drone looks like a glider with a 35 meter wingspan.  Each wing is covered with energy absorbing solar panels.  There is also a set of twin brushless propellers attached to the front mid section of each wing.  The solar panels absorb energy from the sun to power the drone during the day and keep the Li-ion battery packs charged for flight once the sun sets.  With it’s super light, ultra thin carbon fiber composite body PHASA-35 can stay airborne at altitudes of 55,000-70,000ft for up to a year, with zero carbon emissions.

When the announcement of the continued partnership between BAE and Prismatic was made Nigel Whitehead, BAE Systems’ chief technology officer, said, “Working together with Prismatic, we’re pushing technological boundaries to develop a revolutionary solar powered aircraft at an incredibly rapid pace.  Our investment in the company will enable us to take this technology into production, with the very real possibility that this aircraft could enter initial operations with customers within 12 months of flight trials.”  This could mean a drastic jump in the technology of how drones are powered and used to the betterment of our world’s day to day existence.