Solar UAV to be Developed with the Potential to Stay Airborne for a Year
May 6, 2018 | Raytheon CompanyEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

A new solar electric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which has the potential to fly for up to a year before needing maintenance, has become a step closer to reality following a new agreement between two cutting-edge British companies, BAE Systems and Prismatic.
Engineers from Prismatic and BAE Systems will collaborate on the development of the new solar powered High Altitude, Long Endurance (HALE) UAV known as PHASA-35™, with work already underway to prepare the first aircraft to be ready for flight tests in 2019.
The technology would offer a year-round, low cost persistent service for a wide range of needs including surveillance and vital communications to remote areas, using only the sun to power the aircraft during the day and recharge the batteries for overnight operation.
Solar HALE vehicles offer a significantly cheaper alternative to conventional satellite technology, with PHASA-35™ (standing for Persistent High Altitude Solar Aircraft), being a concept solar electric UAV that uses proven, long life battery technology and ultra-lightweight solar cells to potentially maintain flight for up to 12 months.
The PHASA-35 concept has a 35-metre wingspan and weighs just 150kg – its lightweight, efficient build allows it to fly at high altitudes for long periods of time.
A quarter scale model (named PHASE-8) completed a successful maiden flight in 2017, with Prismatic Ltd and BAE Systems now looking to take the technology a step further.
Prismatic is a fast paced and forward thinking company and PHASA-35™ is a great example of what the team can achieve in a short space of time. We were keen to invest in the programme as part of our long term strategy to explore new technologies and solutions in air and space. I look forward to working with the team and I’m sure the collaboration will add further strength to both ourselves and Prismatic.
Michael Christie, Strategy Director within BAE Systems’ Air sector
BAE Systems will invest in the development and flight testing of the PHASA-35™ system as part of its drive to continually develop new technologies to support aircraft of the future, working collaboratively with SMEs and academia.
BAE Systems has a portfolio of patents and patent applications covering approximately 2000 inventions internationally, and under the agreement with Prismatic, it will provide expertise in aerospace technology and project management to progress the PHASA-35™ programme through to a marketable offering.
PHASA-35 has the ability to revolutionise the way we think about Beyond Line of Site communications. It’s great to have the support of a world leading technology company like BAE Systems. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the team who have worked tirelessly over the past two years to develop PHASA-35™ as a proven, cost effective and reliable system.
About Prismatic Ltd
Prismatic Ltd is a technology SME based in Farnborough, Hampshire, specialising in the design, manufacture and delivery of innovative, high value aerospace products and systems. Prismatic develop cutting edge systems using a unique and proven technical management approach. Prismatic bring together skills and experience in UAVs and small satellites to develop new and improved UAV systems and services.
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
Mobix Labs Secures Surge of High-Value Defense Orders, Igniting Growth in its Filter Interconnect Products
07/23/2025 | BUSINESS WIREMobix Labs, Inc., a leading innovator of advanced connectivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) filtering technology, announced significant quarter-over-quarter revenue growth in its filter and interconnect products, powered by strong customer demand and major wins across mission-critical defense and aerospace programs.
NEOTech’s Westborough Facility Achieves AS9100 Surveillance Audit, Reinforcing Trust with Aerospace & Defense Customers
07/22/2025 | NEOTechNEOTech, a premier provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), integrated design engineering, and advanced supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense, medical device, and high-tech industrial markets, proudly announces that its Westborough, Massachusetts facility has successfully completed the rigorous AS9100 Bi-Annual Surveillance Audit with zero findings, a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to quality, security, and operational excellence.
TT Electronics Secures Multi-Million-Pound Defense Contract with Ultra PCS
07/18/2025 | TT ElectronicsTT Electronics, a leading provider of global manufacturing solutions and engineered technologies, announced that it has been awarded a significant new contract with long-standing customer Ultra PCS Ltd (Ultra Precision Control Systems).
NEOTech’s Agave 1 Facility Earns AS9100 Certification for Commercial Aerospace Manufacturing Excellence
07/17/2025 | NEOTechNEOTech, a premier provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), integrated design engineering, and advanced supply chain solutions for the aerospace and defense, medical device, and high-tech industrial markets, proudly announces that its Agave 1 manufacturing facility in Juarez, Mexico has officially received AS9100 certification.
Federal Electronics Invests in HydroJet Inline Cleaning Technology at Hermosillo Facility
07/15/2025 | Federal ElectronicsFederal Electronics, a leader in providing advanced electronic manufacturing services, has strengthened the advanced cleaning capabilities of its Hermosillo, Mexico facility with the recent installation of a HydroJet Inline Cleaner from Austin American Technology (AAT).