BAE Systems completes tests of solar stratospheric aircraft

BAE Systems has announced progress in developing its High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) uncrewed aerial system, PHASA-35, following a series of successful flight trials at Spaceport America in New Mexico.

The solar-powered aircraft flew for 24 hours, reaching over 66,000 feet before landing in a serviceable condition, ready for relaunch within two days.

The aircraft, developed by BAE Systems’ subsidiary Prismatic Ltd, is designed to operate above weather systems and conventional air traffic, with potential uses in long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Bob Davidson, Chief Executive Officer of Prismatic, described the trials as “a significant step forward in proving PHASA-35’s capability for operations.”

During the trials, the PHASA-35 carried a heavier payload than in previous tests—a software-defined radio developed by BAE Systems’ Digital Intelligence division—demonstrating its growing ISR capabilities.

The aircraft’s next iteration, currently under construction in Hampshire, UK, will feature double the solar power generation and storage capacity, aimed at enabling more extended and complex missions starting in 2025.

BAE Systems emphasised the collaborative nature of the project, with contributions from partners such as Honeywell and the UK Met Office.

Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks®, BAE Systems’ research and development arm, noted that the trials “demonstrate the credibility and capability of the system for operational use.”

The PHASA-35 project is part of an effort to establish stratospheric platforms for ISR and communications, complementing existing satellite systems. With operational deployment targeted for 2026, BAE Systems intends to refine the technology further using data from these recent tests.