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AeroVironment (AV) recently completed a successful flight test of its updated Sunglider, showcasing advancements in its High-Altitude Platform-Station (HAPS) capabilities for both commercial and government markets. The new version, Horus A, is designed specifically for government applications, offering enhanced stratospheric performance as a solar-powered UAS. It is capable of carrying payloads by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 03, 2024
AeroVironment (AV) recently completed a successful flight test of its updated Sunglider, showcasing advancements in its High-Altitude Platform-Station (HAPS) capabilities for both commercial and government markets. The new version, Horus A, is designed specifically for government applications, offering enhanced stratospheric performance as a solar-powered UAS. It is capable of carrying payloads up to 150 lb, with 1.5 kW of available power.
Horus A introduces improvements across the aircraft's design and avionics, including increased autonomy and additional redundant systems to ensure mission success. The U.S. Army granted airworthiness approval for Horus A, and the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate, enabling the aircraft to undergo flight testing in national airspace.
These advancements will be incorporated into further Sunglider development through AeroVironment's collaboration with SoftBank, with the goal of maximizing payload capacity and flight persistence to fully leverage stratospheric technology.
"During this recent Horus A flight, we demonstrated the ability to carry multiple payloads for the U.S. DoD and transmit real-time data, advancing the viability of HAPS for government applications," said Jeff Rodrian, AV's senior vice president and general manager of MacCready Works.
"This flight marks another milestone in our stratospheric platform's progress. It underscores AV's leadership in developing solar-powered, high-altitude systems with significant potential for commercial and government applications."
In this test, Horus A successfully operated both a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and a Tactical Grade Mesh Network radio, validating the aircraft's new and redundant systems. The platform also demonstrated its ability to withstand turbulent weather, completing the flight test safely and ready for future extended missions.
Horus A's satellite-based BLOS radio and advanced avionics and datalink suite are designed to provide critical defense capabilities, such as resilient communications, Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT), Space Domain Awareness, and long-endurance ISR. These capabilities could enable smaller uncrewed systems, like the Switchblade 600, to function more effectively in battlefield operations.
Following the support of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense Research and Engineering, and the Rapid Prototyping Programs during the recent flight, AV plans to continue advancing Horus A toward operational readiness.
The ongoing partnership with SoftBank aims to position Sunglider as a key player in future connectivity solutions, including 5G and beyond.
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