Airbus Zephyr 7
QinetiQ / Airbus · United Kingdom · first flew 2010 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Zephyr 7 is an unmanned solar-electric high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) developed by QinetiQ, capable of remaining aloft for weeks at stratospheric altitudes.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Extremely long straight wing span of 22.5 m on tiny fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned solar-powered HAPS — no crew
- Ultra-long-endurance stratospheric platform
- Extremely long straight wing span of 22.5 m on tiny fuselage
Unmistakable ultra-long straight wings bristling with solar cells, a pencil-thin fuselage, and twin small propellers — resembles a very large model aircraft.
Specifications
- The Airbus Zephyr 7 has a length of 2.5 m (8 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 22.5 m (74 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
The Zephyr 7 set a world endurance record in 2010, flying for over 14 days continuously above 15,000 m. Airbus later acquired the programme from QinetiQ and continued development through the Zephyr 8.
Variants
Preceded by the smaller Zephyr 6 and followed by the enlarged Zephyr 8 (25 m span); the Zephyr S is the current production designation.
Where you'll see it
Operated as a demonstrator and technology platform; evaluated by UK and allied defence agencies for persistent ISR and communications relay.
Related aircraft
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