BAE invests in Prismatic's solar powered UAV project

A new solar electric unmanned aerial vehicle with the potential to fly for as long as a year before requiring any kind of maintenance has come a step closer to reality following an agreement between BAE Systems and Prismatic.

Engineers from the two British firms will collaborate on the development of the new high altitude, long endurance (HALE) UAV known as PHASA-35, with flight tests already targeted for 2019.

The technology would offer a year-round, low-cost persistent service for a wide range of needs including surveillance and vital communications in remote areas, using only the sun to power the aircraft during the day and to recharge the batteries for overnight operation.

A quarter-scale model, PHASE-8, completed a successful maiden flight in 2017, leading Prismatic and BAE to look further into progressing the technology.

Paul Brooks, founder and managing director of Prismatic, said, "PHASA-35 has the ability to revolutionise the way we think about Beyond Line of Sight communications. It's great to have the support of a world-leading technology company like BAE Systems."

Michael Christie, strategy director within BAE Systems' air sector, added, "Prismatic is a fast-paced and forward-thinking company and PHASA-35 is a great example of what the team can achieve in a short space of time. We were keen to invest in the programme as part of our long-term strategy to explore new technologies and solutions in air and space."

BAE will invest in the development and flight testing of PHASA-35 as part of its efforts to develop new technologies to support aircraft of the future, working collaboratively with SMEs and academia.