UK orders two Zephyr 8 Solar powered UAVs

[Mechta]

Good news for the Airbus Zephyr team at Farnborough who have been developing this for so long.

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/u...two-zephyr-8s/

The Zephyr 8 is the latest version of this High Altitude Long Endurance aircraft which captured endurance records when the project was run by its previous owner, QinetiQ.



After the MATS-B and the Desert Hawk, will this be the MOD's third hand-launched aircraft?

[Tankertrashnav]

I had a Zephyr 2 and a Zephyr 4.

They've certainly changed a lot

[Could be the last?]

However, if you look at the various media releases, the 2 ac are being purchased for a HAPS capability demonstration, that is all. On completion of the demonstration there is a potential for nothing else to happen - this is all evidence gathering. However, if the demo is successful, and produces a requirement, then just like all other capability requirements it will go to competition, and this will not guarantee that the Zephyr will win!!!

[Mechta]

However, if the demo is successful, and produces a requirement, then just like all other capability requirements it will go to competition, and this will not guarantee that the Zephyr will win!!!

Well, that could prove interesting, given that Google and Facebook are two of the other players most active in the High Altitude, Long Endurance field at the moment!

[Could be the last?]

It could indeed, Mechta, or, will it be another P8 event??

[wub]

TTN:

[Phoney Tony]

Solar powered, long endurance air vehicles are really only valid between 40N and 40S. Above the Artic and Antartic Circle pretty much a non-started for many months of the year.

[Mechta]

Solar powered, long endurance air vehicles are really only valid between 40N and 40S. Above the Artic and Antartic Circle pretty much a non-started for many months of the year.

So in the same way the British forces don't tend to use desert sand paint when in Norway, and probably left their skis behind when going to Iraq, what you are saying is that Zephyr 8 is best used where it is appropriate to use it?

[Tankertrashnav]

wub My Mk 2 was a white convertible with a column change and a bench seat - designed by a bachelor with bachelors in mind!

My Mk IV on the other hand was a total disaster!

Sorry for the thread drift but I know nothing about solar powered aircraft!

[Davef68]

Originally Posted by Could be the last?

However, if you look at the various media releases, the 2 ac are being purchased for a HAPS capability demonstration, that is all. On completion of the demonstration there is a potential for nothing else to happen

Something the MOD/RAF have a long history of, especially with novel technology (Skyship500, DA42 and various microlights all spring to mind over the last couple of decades)

[Could be the last?]

'68,

That's the point of the capability investigation. If the evidence that is collated points towards no further activity being necessary, as the technology has not met the criteria or requirement, then everything stops. Pretty pointless throwing more money at it, would you not agree??

[Davef68]

Yes, I was agreeing with you, and expanding the point that it's nothing new. (You can even go back to the 20s where they bought a Junkers to investigate metal airframes)