AeroVironment has reported successful flight tests of its new Horus A stratospheric drone equipped with solar panels

AeroVironment has reported successful flight tests of its modernised Sunglider solar-powered drone, dubbed Horus A.

Here's What We Know

Horus A is an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying up to 70kg of payload, which has significantly enhanced the capabilities of the HAPS high-altitude platform-station. It generates up to 1.5 kW of electricity, which is enough for autonomous flight at an altitude of up to 20 kilometres.

During the tests, Horus A simultaneously operated a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and a tactical-level Mesh Network radio network. The aircraft demonstrated the ability to manoeuvre effectively in adverse and turbulent conditions, landing safely to return to the stratosphere afterwards and continue its mission.

The BLOS satellite radio and a robust suite of avionics and data links enable this platform to fill critical defence capability gaps by providing stable communications and connectivity, accurate positioning, navigation and timing. These capabilities can help control smaller unmanned systems such as Switchblade, enhancing their combat effectiveness.

Horus A can perform not only military functions but also civilian functions, including providing telecoms services, environmental monitoring and data transfer between mobile operators.

Horus A has received airworthiness approval from the US Army and a special FAA airworthiness certificate allowing it to conduct flight tests in national airspace.

This project is extremely important for the development of solar-powered unmanned aircraft systems.

Source: AeroVironment