QinetiQ Zephyr

The QinetiQ Zephyr is a very lightweight, unmanned and powered by solar cells aerial vehicle ( UAV ) of the British company QinetiQ.

The Zephyr holds the official record for the longest flight of unmanned aircraft with a flight time of 336 hours. In a first test series in December 2005, an estimated flight time of 6 hours was achieved. Unofficially the end of 2008 was achieved even by the U.S. Army proving ground in Yuma a flight time of 82 hours and 37 minutes. The record flight with 336 hours and 21 minutes in July 2010 also took place in Yuma.

Specifications

The hand- launched and built from carbon fiber Zephyr is powered by electric motors that receive their power from thin-film solar cells. At night take lithium-sulfur batteries, the power supply. It is operated by an autopilot and GPS.

Old Model

• Wingspan: 18 m
• Mass: 30-34 kg
• Payload: 2 kg
• Ceiling: 20 km

Current Model

Compared to the original version of the successor model is larger and can therefore mitführern more batteries. In addition, the aerodynamics have been revised. The most striking changes are the T-tail and the downward wing tips. But also in the field of energy management improvements have been made.

• Wingspan: 22.5 m
• Dimensions: > 50 kg
• Drive: 2 electric motors

Countries

On 15 May 2009 the airmen reported revue that for the Pentagon and U.S. Navy seven pieces to be purchased. The delivery is to take place until May 2014 at a price of $ 44,893,000, including a ground station.