Stratospheric Solar drones to provide 5G wireless communications, Global Internet, Border Security and Military Surveillance

The advent of stratospheric drones marks a significant leap in the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Flying at altitudes of around 20 kilometers (65,000 feet), these drones are positioned to revolutionize multiple sectors, including telecommunications, internet accessibility, border security, and military surveillance. With their ability to remain airborne for extended periods and cover vast areas, stratospheric drones offer unprecedented advantages over traditional ground-based and satellite systems.

High-altitude platforms (HAPs) are aircraft, usually unmanned airships or airplanes positioned above 20 km in the stratosphere, for telecommunications or remote sensing. Aerospace companies aim to create solar-powered planes that can fly at high altitudes for years, providing broadband communication services. These drones operate above 19,000 meters (65,000 feet), where there is minimal air traffic and weather interference. At this altitude, they have unobstructed access to solar power, harnessed by solar cells covering their wings, which also charge lithium-ion batteries to enable night flying. This allows the drones to operate for years with zero emissions.

Advantages of solar UAVs in long-endurance missions

One of the main advantages of these types of solar drones is their ability to perform long-endurance missions, unlike other types of drones which have a more limited flight time due to battery life. Solar drones can stay in the air indefinitely or fly for days, weeks or even months as they do not need to land to recharge.

Another advantage of solar drones is their reduced environmental impact, as they emit no polluting gases and require no fuel to operate. They are an ideal tool for environmental monitoring, studying the crops in an area, surveying a terrain, analysing the spread of a fire or even studying the migrations of a school of fish.

Moreover, as they do not require any kind of fuel, they are more economical over time compared to other more traditional drones. This makes them ideal for surveillance missions, infrastructure monitoring and even search and rescue.

Stratospheric drones operate in the stratosphere, a layer of the Earth’s atmosphere roughly 12-50 kilometers above the ground. Here, they fly well above commercial air traffic and harsh weather conditions, offering several advantages:

• Uninterrupted Connectivity: Unlike traditional cell towers, stratospheric drones can stay aloft for months, powered by solar panels. This makes them ideal for providing continuous 5G internet access to underserved regions, disaster zones, or even airplanes.
• Global Internet Expansion: A network of these drones could bridge the digital divide, bringing internet connectivity to the estimated 30% of the global population who currently lack access.
• Enhanced Security: With their extended range and high-resolution sensors, stratospheric drones can be deployed for border patrol, monitoring vast stretches of land and sea for illegal activity.
• Persistent Surveillance: Military forces can leverage these drones for continuous surveillance, providing real-time intelligence on enemy movements and activities.

Applications

Remote-controlled HAPs can also be used for climate science, disaster recovery, military surveillance, and as communication relays during emergencies. Civil applications include monitoring pipelines, crops, forestry fires, fisheries, and borders.

These stratospheric platforms have a unique ability to provide persistent coverage over a localized area at a competitive cost when compared with existing alternatives (satellites, aircraft, drones). The data acquired from these assets have been used in industries with a large set of fixed real estate assets like insurance, transportation, energy, and conservation.

Remote-controlled vehicles can also be used for climate science, disaster recovery and response, and military surveillance. They could have many other uses, for example acting as a relay station for communications in emergencies such as natural disasters that have knocked out ground-based telephones and internet links. Civil applications could include pipeline, crop and forestry fire monitoring, fisheries protection, and border control.

1. 5G Wireless Communications

Extending Coverage and Enhancing Connectivity

Stratospheric drones are poised to play a crucial role in the deployment of 5G networks. By serving as aerial base stations, these drones can extend 5G coverage to remote and underserved areas, ensuring that high-speed internet reaches places where building ground infrastructure is challenging or economically unfeasible. The high altitude of these drones allows them to cover large geographical areas, providing consistent and reliable connectivity.

Reducing Latency and Increasing Bandwidth

In addition to expanding coverage, stratospheric drones can help reduce latency and increase bandwidth for 5G networks. By being closer to users compared to satellites, they can offer lower latency, which is critical for applications requiring real-time data transmission, such as autonomous vehicles, telemedicine, and augmented reality. This proximity also allows for higher bandwidth, facilitating faster data speeds and more robust connections.

2. Global Internet Access

Bridging the Digital Divide

One of the most transformative applications of stratospheric drones is providing global internet access. With billions of people still lacking reliable internet connectivity, these drones can bridge the digital divide by delivering high-speed internet to remote and underserved regions worldwide. Companies like Alphabet’s Loon project have already demonstrated the feasibility of using high-altitude balloons for this purpose, and stratospheric drones can offer even more stability and control.

Disaster Recovery and Emergency Communications

Stratospheric drones can also play a vital role in disaster recovery and emergency communications. In the aftermath of natural disasters, when traditional communication infrastructure is often damaged or destroyed, these drones can provide essential connectivity for emergency responders and affected populations. Their ability to be rapidly deployed and maintain stable communication links makes them invaluable in crisis situations.

3. Border Security

Enhanced Surveillance and Monitoring

Stratospheric drones offer significant advantages for border security operations. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, they can provide continuous, high-resolution surveillance of vast border areas. This capability is particularly important for monitoring remote and rugged terrains where ground-based surveillance is impractical.

Real-Time Threat Detection and Response

The real-time data collected by stratospheric drones can be integrated with border security systems to detect and respond to potential threats more effectively. By providing a persistent aerial presence, these drones can help identify unauthorized border crossings, track suspicious activities, and support ground patrols with actionable intelligence. This enhanced situational awareness can lead to more efficient and effective border security operations.

4. Military Requirements

The military is increasingly turning to solar-powered stratospheric drones to meet its needs for persistent, wide-area, real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Traditionally, the military has utilized a variety of platforms such as balloons, aerostats, airships, satellites, and UAVs to achieve persistent coverage of the battlespace. However, helium-powered airships have safety concerns, and satellites are costly to launch and maintain. High-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS) like stratospheric drones offer distinct advantages over low-earth orbit satellites, particularly in terms of persistence and image resolution due to their proximity to the covered areas.

Persistent ISR Capabilities

In the realm of military operations, stratospheric drones are set to become invaluable assets for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Their high-altitude flight enables them to cover large areas and gather critical information over extended periods. Unlike satellites, which follow fixed orbits, stratospheric drones can be maneuvered to focus on specific areas of interest, providing more flexible and responsive surveillance capabilities.

Force Multiplier for Defense Operations

Stratospheric drones can act as force multipliers for military operations by providing real-time intelligence and situational awareness to commanders. They can support a wide range of missions, from monitoring hostile territories and tracking enemy movements to conducting target acquisition and damage assessment. By offering a persistent and reliable aerial platform, these drones enhance the overall effectiveness of military forces.

Stratospheric Drones: A Booming Market for Connectivity, Security, and Beyond

The stratospheric drone market, a crucial segment of the High Altitude Platform (HAP) market, is experiencing significant growth, driven by its potential to revolutionize various sectors.

The global market for High Altitude Platforms estimated at US$3.7 Billion in the year 2023, is projected to reach a revised size of US$6.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% over the analysis period 2023-2030.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $1.1 Billion, While China is Forecast to Grow at 8.4% CAGR

North America assumed a principal position in the global HAPs market, while developing economies emerged as hotbeds for adoption, with specific applications in the Australian defense sector and Indian border surveillance.

The High Altitude Platforms market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.1 Billion in the year 2023. China, the world’s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.2 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 8.4% over the analysis period 2023 to 2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 5.9% and 6.2% respectively over the 2023-2030 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 6.5% CAGR.

Applications Driving Demand

The demand for stratospheric drones is driven by diverse applications across various industries:

• Communication: Providing reliable 5G and internet access to remote regions, disaster zones, and even airplanes.
• Security: Enhancing border security by monitoring vast areas for illegal activities.
• Military: Enabling persistent surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering.
• Navigation: Providing improved navigation systems for air and maritime transportation.
• Science and Research: Facilitating atmospheric data collection and environmental monitoring.

Segments:

• UAVs: Predicted to dominate the market due to their defense applications and solar-powered technology, which offers cost savings and reduces CO2 emissions.
• Tethered Aerostat Systems: Expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8%, driven by markets in the USA, Canada, Japan, China, and Europe. This segment is anticipated to reach $476.6 million by 2027.

Segment Growth and Regional Outlook

• UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Segment: Dominates the market due to its versatility and application in the defense sector. Solar-powered UAVs offer significant cost savings and reduced emissions.
• Tethered Aerostat Systems: This segment is expected to witness an impressive CAGR of 8.8%, driven by advancements and growing adoption in the US, Canada, Japan, China, and Europe.
• Regional Growth: The US market is projected to reach US$2.2 billion by 2027, followed by China with US$1.9 billion. Southeast Asia is also expected to witness significant growth due to rapid industrialization and the demand for high-speed internet.

Key Innovation Areas

GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, leveraging over 206,000 patents to analyze innovation intensity in the aerospace and defense industry, identifies 110 innovation areas shaping the future of this sector. Among these, solar drones stand out as a critical innovation area, poised to revolutionize UAV capabilities and applications.

Leading Companies in Solar Drone Innovation

GlobalData’s analysis reveals that more than 30 companies, including established aerospace and defense giants, technology vendors, and innovative start-ups, are actively developing and applying solar drone technologies. Some of the key players in this space include:

• Boeing: One of the leading patent filers in solar drones, Boeing, through its subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences, has developed several notable innovations. These include patents for a solar-powered aircraft featuring a fixed wing panel, motor-driven propeller, and secondary wing panels equipped with solar arrays. Aurora Flight Sciences is also developing the Odysseus high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) solar-powered UAV, designed for diverse missions such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), weather and climate research, and communications.
• Thales: Another major player in the solar drone space, Thales, has been actively filing patents to enhance the functionality and efficiency of solar-powered UAVs.
• Airbus: Airbus has also been a significant contributor to the development of solar drone technology, focusing on improving the endurance and operational capabilities of these UAVs.
• Lockheed Martin: Known for its extensive defense technology portfolio, Lockheed Martin has been pioneering advancements in solar drone technology to enhance their strategic and tactical applications.

Measuring Innovation Impact

GlobalData uses metrics such as ‘application diversity’ and ‘geographic reach’ to assess the impact of patents filed by these companies. ‘Application diversity’ measures the number of different applications identified for each patent, categorizing companies as either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators. ‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries in which each patent is registered, indicating the intended global or local application of the technology.

• Application Diversity: Companies like Texas Instruments, ThayerMahan, and Triad National Security lead in filing patents with diverse applications, showcasing their broad innovation strategies.
• Geographic Reach: Firms such as Texas Instruments, Thales, and Airbus have patents registered in multiple countries, reflecting their global strategic approach.

Key Players in the Race

Major companies are actively involved in the stratospheric drone market, including:

• AeroVironment, Inc.
• Airbus SE
• Augur-RosAeroSystems
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Thales Group

Past and present Developments in solar-powered UAV technology.

PHASA-35 Takes Center Stage

BAE Systems and Prismatic Ltd. are leading the charge with their innovative PHASA-35 solar-powered UAV. This high-flyer boasts the potential to remain airborne for up to a year, marking a significant leap in endurance. BAE planned flight tests in the US in 2021, targeting applications for federal agencies and commercial markets.

Named after its impressive 35-meter wingspan, the PHASA-35 will leverage cutting-edge technology to achieve sustained flight at altitudes ranging from 55,000 to 70,000 feet. The project’s developmental phase began with the PHASE-8, a scaled-down test vehicle with an 8.75-meter wingspan, flown successfully in December 2017 and January 2018. Weighing under 12 kg, the PHASE-8 demonstrated the feasibility of using Prismatic’s PHASE power system, which combines solar power with rechargeable batteries to enable flights lasting up to several days. These tests provided crucial insights into aerodynamic performance, stability, and energy efficiency, essential for refining the design and capabilities of the larger PHASA-35.

The PHASA-35 itself will be a marvel of engineering, constructed from lightweight carbon fiber and equipped with ultra-lightweight solar cells and long-life batteries. Weighing just 150 kg, including a 15 kg payload capacity, the aircraft will feature advanced flight control systems capable of both piloted and autonomous operation. Its cruise speed of approximately 50 knots will ensure stable and precise positioning over desired locations, meeting diverse operational needs from environmental surveillance to disaster relief.

The PHASA-35’s capabilities span cellular network extension, intelligence gathering, surveillance, disaster relief, and border enforcement.

Airbus Takes the Lead: The Zephyr Program

Airbus continues to push boundaries with their Zephyr family of UAVs. Building on the success of Zephyr 7, they are developing the Zephyr 8, further optimizing high-persistence stratospheric flight through solar power. Notably, the UK Ministry of Defence has ordered Zephyr S for applications like high-definition imaging, temporary communication networks, and emergency service support.

Airbus’s Zephyr represents a significant advancement in high-altitude UAV technology, blending the endurance of satellites with the flexibility of aircraft. The Zephyr program began with the Zephyr 7, which set a record flight endurance of 336 hours in 2010 at an altitude of about 18 km. With a wingspan of 23 meters, weighing 55 kg, and capable of carrying a 5 kg payload, it operates on solar power during the day and lithium-sulfur batteries at night. Airbus has since progressed to the Zephyr 8, featuring a larger 28-meter wingspan and cruising at around 21,000 meters with speeds up to 55 km/h. This latest model supports payloads ranging from 5 to 10 kg and is powered by amorphous silicon PV and lithium-sulfur batteries. The Zephyr S, derived from Zephyr 8, is currently in production with an initial order from the UK Ministry of Defense, emphasizing its potential for military applications.

Designed as a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS), Zephyr offers the ability to loiter over a fixed location at 20 km altitude, covering expansive areas with persistent, high-resolution imagery and high-bandwidth communications. Airbus aims for Zephyr to eventually achieve 100 days of continuous flight without landing, significantly extending its current record of 25 days. Weighing 75 kg, Zephyr can carry payloads up to five times its weight, supporting applications such as Full HD imaging, thermal imaging, temporary communications networks, and emergency services support. Its trials have successfully demonstrated capabilities in electro-optical and infrared imaging, real-time image and video transmission, and acting as a communications relay platform, particularly beneficial in remote or challenging terrains.

The Zephyr system’s potential for continuous surveillance is enhanced by its capability to operate in tandem with another drone, ensuring seamless coverage during handovers between aircraft. Airbus envisions Zephyr playing pivotal roles in various missions, including monitoring specific targets, anti-piracy operations, route surveillance, counter-IED efforts, border security, and local area security. With over 3,000 hours logged in the stratosphere, Zephyr exemplifies Airbus’s pioneering efforts in enabling high-persistence stratospheric flight, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for advanced technological solutions previously considered unattainable. In 2022 alone, Zephyr Z8-2 accumulated over 64 days in the stratosphere, covering more than 140,000 nautical miles—an accomplishment marking a significant leap towards redefining the capabilities of stratospheric platforms.

NASA: Their Helios series has showcased the potential for long-endurance solar-powered UAVs.

Solar Eagle was an ambitious project under DARPA’s Vulture Program, intended to develop a high-altitude, ultra-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of staying airborne for five years. The Solar Eagle aimed to perform ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and communication missions, with specific design features to support its ultra-long endurance:

• Cruising Altitude and Speed: The UAV was designed to operate at altitudes between 60,000 and 90,000 feet, flying at speeds of 70 to 80 knots.
• Payload Capacity: It could carry a payload of 454 kg (approximately 1,000 pounds) that consumed 5 kW of power.
• Power System: The aircraft utilized a hybrid solar-electric power system:
  • Daytime Operations: Solar panels on its 400-foot wingspan generated electricity to power the aircraft, with excess energy stored as hydrogen via electrolysis.
  • Nighttime Operations: Stored hydrogen was converted back into power using fuel cells.
• Design: The UAV had a high aspect-ratio wing, similar to gliders, to maximize aerodynamic performance. Solar arrays covered over 50% of its surface.
• Maintenance: Intended as a “zero-maintenance, launch-and-leave” system, akin to satellites, it emphasized long-term deployment with minimal human intervention.

Despite the innovative approach and significant potential, the Solar Eagle project was canceled in 2012.

Google’s Titan Aerospace:

Although their Solara 50 and Solara 60 projects aimed for five-year operations and concluded in 2017, they made significant contributions to the field.

Google’s Project Loon, initiated in 2012, aims to establish a stratospheric balloon network to deliver internet access to remote and underserved regions worldwide. Operating at approximately 20 km above Earth’s surface in the stratosphere, each superpressure balloon boasts a 15-meter diameter. These balloons navigate the stratified winds of the stratosphere using sophisticated software algorithms that guide them into wind layers moving in the desired direction. Altitude control is achieved by adjusting the amount of air inside the balloon, facilitated by an onboard fan, enabling them to maneuver effectively within favorable wind currents. By leveraging these winds, Project Loon balloons can be orchestrated into a cohesive network, spanning vast areas and forming a unified communications infrastructure.

Google’s Project SkyBender is advancing with an “Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA)” known as Centaur and the solar-powered drone Solara 50 from Titan Aerospace, acquired by the tech giant in 2014. Titan Aerospace specializes in high-altitude solar-powered drones with impressive wingspans up to 50 meters. The Solara 50, for instance, is designed to operate at an altitude of 65,000 feet and sustain flight for up to five years, carrying payloads weighing up to 70 pounds. Notably, Google’s endeavors with Solara drones aim to provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional satellites, projected to cost less than $10 million each, making them retrievable and adaptable across various domains.

These drones are equipped with solar panels that charge lithium-ion batteries during daylight for nighttime flight and to power onboard payloads, generating approximately 100 watts of power. Launching via catapult and landing on a Kevlar-coated underside, the Solara operates efficiently with a single, high-efficiency motor. Unlike previous configurations with multiple propellers, this design optimizes energy use and ensures operational robustness in challenging environments like subzero atmospheres and mountainous regions.

The Solara’s silicon-based solar arrays integrated into its wing structure maximize energy harvesting, even during periods of low sun angles, employing a distributed Maximum Power Point Tracking system to optimize voltage across the array. Positioned in the “sweet spot” of the Earth’s atmosphere, between 60,000 and 70,000 feet, where winds are calm and weather patterns are minimal, these drones promise to perform tasks traditionally handled by satellites but at significantly lower costs. For instance, Titan Aerospace estimates operational costs of less than $5 per square kilometer for multispectral Earth imagery, compared to $35 per square kilometer from satellite-based systems, while still offering extensive coverage capabilities.

As Google continues to refine these technologies through Project SkyBender, the integration of Solara drones represents a pivotal step toward enhancing global connectivity and environmental monitoring capabilities, marking a strategic advancement in aerospace innovation.

In parallel, Google’s secretive Project SkyBender explores the potential of millimeter-wave radio transmissions, a cornerstone technology for future 5G wireless internet access. Conducted at an isolated spaceport, the project involves testing prototype transceivers on multiple drones. Millimeter waves offer the advantage of accessing new spectrum, crucial as existing cellular bands become increasingly congested. The technology promises data transmission rates up to 40 times faster than current 4G LTE systems, potentially delivering gigabits of data per second. Google envisions deploying thousands of high-altitude autonomous aircraft to expand internet access globally, leveraging the capabilities of drones equipped with advanced communication technologies.

While Google pioneers this endeavor, it follows in the footsteps of initiatives like Darpa’s Mobile Hotspots program, launched in 2014 to develop a fleet of drones capable of providing high-speed communications to military personnel in remote locations. These developments highlight a concerted effort to harness unmanned aerial platforms and cutting-edge radio technologies to address connectivity challenges on a global scale, ensuring internet access reaches even the most isolated corners of the world.

Boeing and Airbus: Boeing’s Solar Eagle and Airbus’s Zephyr projects (acquired through QinetiQ) are notable. The Zephyr holds the current endurance record of two weeks aloft, targeting applications like high-resolution imaging and high-bandwidth communications.

Facebook’s Aquila (Project Discontinued)

• Design: High-wing, long-endurance pseudo-satellite.
• Wingspan: Roughly equivalent to a Boeing 737, around 70 meters.
• Weight: Less than 1,000 pounds (453 kg).
• Power Source: Solar panels covering the upper wing surface, with batteries for nighttime operation.
• Flight Time: Targeted for up to 3 months.
• Altitude: Operational ceiling of up to 90,000 feet (27,000 meters).
• Payload: Communication equipment for delivering internet access within a 50-mile (80 km) radius.

WorldView Stratollite (High-Altitude Balloon)

• Design: Helium-filled balloon platform with a gondola carrying instruments and equipment.
• Altitude: Operational ceiling around 60,000 feet (18,000 meters).
• Flight Time: Can remain aloft for weeks or even months.
• Payload: Carries various equipment depending on the mission, including high-resolution cameras, communication relays, and atmospheric sensors.
• Applications: Used for tasks such as disaster response, weather forecasting, military surveillance, and scientific research.

Stratospheric 5G Takes Flight: UK Company Demonstrates World-First

Stratospheric Platforms (SPL), a UK-based company, has achieved a major breakthrough: the world’s first successful demonstration of 5G mobile internet delivered from a High Altitude Platform (HAP) in the stratosphere. This trial, conducted in Saudi Arabia, paves the way for reliable, high-speed connectivity even in the most remote locations.

Key Features of SPL’s HAP:

• Endurance: Over a week of continuous operation thanks to a lightweight design and powerful energy source.
• Durability: Built to withstand turbulence during ascent, reaching the calmer stratosphere for stable operation.
• Payload Capacity: A wingspan of 60 meters accommodates a substantial 140kg communications payload.
• Low Maintenance: Designed for a 10+ year lifespan with minimal upkeep costs.
• Cost-Effective Manufacturing: Automation processes ensure affordability.

The Demonstration’s Success:

The trial showcased a range of impressive capabilities:

• Three-way Video Calls: Successful video calls were established between the test site, a mobile device on a boat, and a control site 950 km away.
• 4K Video Streaming: Land and helicopter tests demonstrated seamless 4K video streaming to a mobile phone with ultra-low latency (1 millisecond).
• Signal Strength: Moving at 100 km/h, a 5G device maintained full interoperability with ground-based masts and consistent “five-bar” signal in known connectivity gaps.

The Future of Stratospheric 5G:

This achievement marks a significant step towards:

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Even the most remote areas can now access high-speed mobile internet.
• Hydrogen-Powered Future: SPL’s “Stratomast” HAP, currently under development, utilizes hydrogen fuel for week-long flights and wider coverage with a single antenna (15,000 km²).

The remote-controlled Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is versatile, supporting disaster recovery, communication, weather forecasting, and military surveillance. In its test flight, the solar-powered Stratollite carried multiple payloads, including a 50.6-megapixel camera, demonstrating its potential as a viable high-altitude remote sensing platform.

Looking East: Chinese and Russian Projects

• China: The Feiyun solar drone, developed by CASIC, aims to create a near-space network for emergency telecommunications and internet services. Its massive wingspan rivals commercial jets, powered by over 10,000 photovoltaic cells.
• Russia: The SOVA atmospheric satellite drone, a collaboration between Tyber Company and the ARF, focuses on long-endurance missions, particularly in harsh Arctic conditions. Russia’s LA-252

China’s Solar Drones

China’s pursuit of solar-powered drones for near-space operations has intensified with significant strides made by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC). Their Feiyun (flying clouds) series has emerged as a frontrunner in the race to deploy the nation’s inaugural solar-powered drone network. According to reports, CASIC has achieved substantial progress with over 100 successful test flights of its solar drone prototype last year. These advancements set the stage for larger-scale trials scheduled to commence in 2020, aiming to establish a pioneering cross-China drone network for emergency telecommunications and internet services.

Chinese-developed drone is undergoing testing appears to have overcome such difficulties, marking a significant step towards China’s ambitions of exploiting near space for purposes of military intelligence. In June, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation flew a large, solar-powered drone at an altitude of 20,000 metres for 15 hours. The Caihong T4 aircraft, with a wing span of more than 45 metres, could be equipped with radar and communications equipment to provide early warning for Chinese military aircraft, according to state media reports. China has also flight tested “Ghost 6”, designed by North West Polytechnic University (NWPU), wherein it flew for 19 hours and 34 minutes at 7000 meters, landing autonomously on the dirt road on 28th August. The objective of the test was to probably verify the aerodynamic configuration of the vehicle and its energy management efficiency in lower natural lighting of Autumn/ Winter seasons, which is only one third that of in the summer.

The Feiyun solar drone, developed by CASIC, aims to create a near-space network for emergency telecommunications and internet services. Its massive wingspan rivals commercial jets, powered by over 10,000 photovoltaic cells. The Feiyun solar drone distinguishes itself with a design featuring photovoltaic cells and robust electric motors integrated into an ultralight monoplane airframe crafted from advanced composite materials. Despite its expansive wingspan comparable to wide-body commercial jets like the Boeing 777, the drone weighs less than a ton. Its upper wing surfaces host more than 10,000 photovoltaic cells, harnessing solar energy to power its motors and charge lithium-sulfur batteries for nocturnal operations. This technological leap underscores China’s ambitions to leverage solar energy for prolonged, high-altitude flights, marking a significant stride in the country’s aerospace capabilities.

Russian solar powered SOVA (Owl) atmospheric satellite drone

The solar powered SOVA (Owl) atmospheric satellite drone is a collaborative effort of the Tyber Company and the Advanced Research Foundation (ARF) has a nine-meter wingspan, yet weighs only 12kg. The Advanced Research Foundation (ARF), established in fall 2012, is viewed as Russia’s analogue of the US’s DARPA, conducting some leading defense industry research.

The flying wing (fixed-wing with no tail or discernible fuselage) unmanned aircraft covered with solar panels and driven by three propellers has already climbed to a 9km altitude and spent over two days up in the air. SOVA’s elastic hull is twists, bends – and restores the original form to handle turbulence and gusts of wind. The drone carries accumulators to store energy to continue flight in the dark hours, cameras, altimeter, transmitter, receiver and other sensors enabling operator to monitor and direct its flight.

The second prototype, with a wingspan of 28 meters, is expected to be able to reach altitudes of 20km. The SOVA project aims at developing a family of drones for super long-endurance missions, to be operated throughout Russia and even in harsh conditions above the Arctic Circle (66.5°N).

Inexpensive monitoring of the vast uninhabited territories in northerly latitude and providing telecommunication services to constantly growing number of consumers have been mentioned among top priority tasks for SOVA atmospheric satellite drones. So far communications in the Arctic area have been established using space satellites, but this kind of communication is expensive and not always effective, particularly for real-time monitoring needs.

The stratospheric drone market is on the cusp of transforming how we approach connectivity, security, and disaster response, with solar-powered UAVs leading the way in innovation and endurance.

India’s Game-Changing “Pseudo Satellite”: High-Altitude Surveillance Takes Flight

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru has successfully test-flown a solar-powered “pseudo satellite” – a revolutionary unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) poised to transform India’s border surveillance capabilities.  Unlike conventional drones, HAPS can reach altitudes of 18-20 kilometers, nearly double the cruising altitude of commercial airplanes. This expansive view provides unparalleled coverage for border monitoring.

Solar-Powered Endurance:

Equipped with solar panels, HAPS can generate their own power, enabling them to stay airborne for months or even years. This extended flight time eliminates the need for frequent landings and refuelings, making them ideal for persistent surveillance.
Cost-Effective Alternative: Compared to launching and maintaining satellites, HAPS offer a significantly cheaper solution for long-term monitoring. This makes them a more feasible option for widespread deployment.

Boosting Border Security:

Enhanced Vigilance: HAPS can provide continuous monitoring of vast border areas, allowing for early detection of infiltration attempts or other security threats.  The ability to gather and transmit data in real-time allows for quicker decision-making and faster response times in critical situations.
Persistent Presence: The extended flight times ensure a constant presence over strategically important areas, deterring potential adversaries and enhancing overall border security.

While the successful test flight is a significant milestone, further development is needed:

• Scaling Up Production: Transitioning from prototypes to large-scale production of HAPS will be crucial for widespread deployment.
• Integration with Existing Systems: Developing seamless integration between HAPS data and existing border security infrastructure will maximize their effectiveness.
• Addressing Regulations: As a new technology, establishing clear regulations for HAPS operations in Indian airspace will be necessary.

Challenges and Considerations

While the potential benefits of HAPS are vast, there are challenges to overcome:

• Regulation: The operation of high-altitude drones requires clear regulations to ensure safety and prevent airspace conflicts.
• Battery Technology: While solar power provides extended flight times, advancements in battery technology are needed for reliable nighttime operation.
• Cost and Infrastructure: Developing and maintaining a network of stratospheric drones requires significant investment.

Conclusion

Stratospheric drones represent a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionize multiple sectors, from telecommunications and internet accessibility to border security and military surveillance. Their ability to provide extended coverage, real-time data, and high-resolution imagery makes them indispensable tools for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in these fields. As the development and deployment of stratospheric drones continue to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications and significant benefits for society.

The future of stratospheric drones is bright, and their impact on 5G wireless communications, global internet access, border security, and military surveillance is just beginning to be realized. As technology continues to evolve, these high-altitude UAVs will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping a more connected, secure, and informed world.

References and Resources also include:

https://breakingdefense.com/2022/10/army-seeks-industry-help-on-stratospheric-drones-sensor-payloads/

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/10/10/2531280/0/en/Global-High-Altitude-Platforms-Market-to-Reach-5-1-Billion-by-2027.html

https://techblog.comsoc.org/2022/03/04/stratospheric-platforms-demos-haps-based-5g-in-saudi-arabia-will-it-succeed-where-google-facebook-failed/

https://www.airforce-technology.com/data-insights/innovators-drones-solar-drones-aerospace-and-defense/?cf-view