BAE Systems Phasa-35 UAS soars into the stratosphere
The Phasa-35 HAPS UAS in flight. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems has achieved the first stratospheric flight of the Phasa-35 High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) uncrewed aerial system (UAS). Weighing 150kg, the drone flew to over 66,000ft in altitude and could offer long-endurance ISR and communication capabilities.
BAE Systems has completed the first stratospheric flight of the Phasa-35 HAPS UAS.
Weighing just 150kg and with the wingspan of a Boeing 737, the Phasa-35 completed the trial last month in New Mexico.
Over 24 hours, the HAPS UAS flew to over 66,000ft (20km) in altitude before successfully landing. The trials allowed engineers to measure the drone's performance in the outer limits of Earth's atmosphere.
The flight is a major milestone for the aircraft, development of which began in 2018 by Prismatic and BAE Systems. BAE Systems later acquired Prismatic in September 2019.
Phasa-35 can offer a persistent platform
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance]()
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
![Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training]()
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry]()
Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry
As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
