Airbus Zephyr 8
Airbus Commercial Aircraft · United Kingdom · first flew 2018 · reconnaissance aircraft
The Airbus Zephyr 8 (marketed as Zephyr S) is the production variant of the solar-powered HAPS family, featuring a 25 m wingspan and capability for months-long stratospheric flight.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × electric, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 2.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Unmanned solar HAPS — no crew
- 25 m straight wing, current production Zephyr S
- Lost over Arizona in 2022 after 64-day flight
The largest of the Zephyr family at 25 m span; otherwise shares the characteristic ultra-long solar-covered wings and twin tractor propellers of its predecessors.
Specifications
- The Airbus Zephyr 8 has a length of 2.5 m (8 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 25 m (82 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
Airbus flew the Zephyr S from Yuma, Arizona in 2022, achieving a flight lasting over 64 days before the aircraft was lost due to an anomalous weather event. The programme is targeted at persistent surveillance and communications relay for military and civil customers.
Variants
The Zephyr S is the production designation; an enhanced Zephyr T variant with improved payload was under development.
Where you'll see it
Evaluated by the UK Ministry of Defence and international partners; not yet in frontline service as of 2024.
Related aircraft
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