Airbus Zephyr 7

The Airbus Zephyr 7, a solar‑powered high‑altitude long‑endurance (HALE) unmanned aircraft, traces its origins to the UK research firm QinetiQ, which began developing the Zephyr series in the early 2000s as a technology demonstrator for persistent, stratospheric flight. After successful prototype flights, QinetiQ partnered with Airbus Defence and Space, merging expertise that culminated in the Zephyr 7, which entered service in 2022. The aircraft features a 25‑meter wingspan, an ultralight carbon‑fiber airframe, and more than 30 square meters of high‑efficiency solar cells that charge lithium‑sulphur batteries, enabling it to operate continuously for up to 14 days without refuelling. Its autonomous navigation system, lightweight payload bay, and low radar cross‑section allow it to conduct communications relay, remote‑sensing, and atmospheric research missions at altitudes above 70 kilometres, effectively remaining in the “quasi‑satellite” zone. The Zephyr 7’s unprecedented endurance has reshaped concepts of persistent surveillance and offers a cost‑effective alternative to traditional satellites for civilian and military users. Its achievements underscore a shift toward renewable‑energy propulsion in aviation, marking a milestone in the quest for sustainable, high‑altitude platforms. The platform also demonstrates the viability of solar‑UAVs for scientific climate monitoring, providing high‑resolution data over extended periods.