The UK Ministry of Defence has placed a highly anticipated order for two Airbus Defence & Space Zephyr 8 high-altitude pseudo-satellites. Announced during Singapore air show on 18 February, the contract will cover the acquisition of two solar-powered, long-endurance surveillance unmanned air vehicles, the first of which is already under construction.
Under the terms of the contract – believed to be worth some £10.6 million ($15.5 million) – Airbus will manufacture and fly the two aircraft, and a first flight is expected in 2017.
The UAV operates at altitudes of around 65,000ft for long periods of time, and it is expected that it will be utilised as a surveillance and communications relay link for ground operations, although Airbus says that the MoD’s intent regarding its operation is undisclosed.
Photo: The Zephyr 8 during stress testing
Source: Flightglobal