Airbus Zephyr 6
QinetiQ · United Kingdom · first flew 2008 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Zephyr 6 is the predecessor solar-powered UAV to the Zephyr 7, developed by QinetiQ for ultra-long-endurance stratospheric flight.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × electric, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 18 m straight wing on pencil fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned solar HAPS — no crew
- 18 m straight wing on pencil fuselage
- Set 54-hour endurance record in 2008
Very similar to Zephyr 7 but with a shorter 18 m wing; the same ultra-thin, solar-covered straight wing and twin pusher propellers characterise the type.
Specifications
- The Airbus Zephyr 6 has a length of 2.2 m (7 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18 m (59 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 56 km/h (35 mph).
- Typical crew: 0 (unmanned).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
QinetiQ flew the Zephyr 6 in 2008 at Yuma Proving Ground, setting an unofficial world endurance record for unmanned aircraft. It demonstrated the viability of solar stratospheric platforms ahead of the improved Zephyr 7.
Variants
The Zephyr 6 was a stepping stone in the lineage Zephyr 5, 6, 7, and 8, each incrementally larger and more capable.
Where you'll see it
Technology demonstrator only, not operational; paved the way for the record-breaking Zephyr 7 and eventual Airbus Zephyr S production.
Related aircraft
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