Production-standard solar-powered HALE/HAPS unmanned aircraft (Zephyr S / Zephyr 8). In 2018 a Zephyr S set a fixed-wing endurance record of nearly 26 days; a US Army Zephyr 8 flew 64 days in 2022. Operates in the stratosphere for persistent ISR and connectivity.
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | Fixed-wing |
| Subtype | Solar HALE / HAPS UAV |
| Role | persistent ISR / comms relay |
| Class | HALE |
| Classification | HALE / HAPS (pseudo-satellite) |
| Mission | persistent ISR, communications/connectivity relay, surveillance |
| Datalink | satellite / BLOS |
| Variants | Zephyr S, Zephyr 8 (US Army) |
| MTOW (kg) | 75 |
| Operators | UK, US Army (trials) |
| Frame type | Fixed-wing |
| Propulsion | solar-electric (battery for night) |
| Wingspan (m) | 25 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Launch method | hand-launch (crew) |
| Autonomy level | autonomous |
| Endurance (min) | 92160 |
| Recovery method | belly/skid landing |
| Year introduced | 2018 |
| Max payload (kg) | 5 |
| Standard sensors | EO/IR / comms payload |
| Production status | in development/operational testing |
| Notable engagements | 2018 ~26-day record; 2022 US Army 64-day flight |
| Service ceiling (m) | 23200 |