ZEPHYR S

Built using carbon fibre composite materials, the Zephyr S unmanned aerial
vehicle is 30% lighter than the Zephyr 7 and can be landed, re-equipped with
next-generation payloads, and re-deployed.

The Zephyr S HAPS has two main wings spanning 25m with upward cranked
tips. Its tail section is arranged in a T-configuration to provide aerodynamic
stability and flight control.

Weighing 62kg, the unmanned aircraft incorporates an array of high-efficiency

ELO-based solar cells on the entire wing to generate power. The solar sheets
have power density values of 1,000W/kg and aerial powers in excess of
250W/m².

The aircraft is capable of flying autonomously from take-off to landing and can
be remotely operated from its ground control station.
Zephyr S can carry payloads weighing up to 5kg to provide increased
surveillance and communication under all weather conditions during the day
and night.

The UAV uses lightweight, high-definition, optical / infrared video cameras to

produce real-time, high-resolution NIIRS 6 imagery and video of the earth
under all lighting conditions.

An automatic identification system (AIS) is installed to identify, locate and

track other objects in the vicinity. The UAV also incorporates narrowband
mobile communications network to transmit information at a data rate of
100Mpbs.
The Zephyr S HAPS is powered by two solar-powered electric motors. The
solar energy is generated by a combination of solar cells and high-power
lithium-sulphur batteries. Each motor drives a two-bladed propeller mounted on
the wings.

The UAV is capable of flying at altitudes of 70,000ft and can stay airborne for
one month before landing. It can execute missions in air traffic and jet stream
winds.

It is suitable for both line-of-sight (LOS) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS)

operations. The BLOS operation is enabled by a satellite communications
system of low mass.

The UAV can also transmit real-time imagery, voice and data to areas covering
1,000km² over a long distance.

Zephyr S can carry payload upto 5 times its weight.

References:

https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/news/news-articles/world-record-flight-by-the-airbus-
zephyr-s

https://techxplore.com/news/2018-08-zephyr-drone-satellite-contender-airbus.html

https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/zephyr-s-high-altitude-pseudo-
satellite-haps/

https://www.sae.org/news/2018/08/airbus-zephyr-s-breaks-world-flight-
endurance-record-during-maiden-flight

https://www.airbus.com/defence/uav/zephyr.html