The Zephyr HAPS will operate in the stratosphere for extended periods of time, providing a persistent ‘eye in the sky' for customers. (Airbus)
The Zephyr high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) has been approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), manufacturer AALTO announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 on 25 July.
The Farnborough-based subsidiary of Airbus Defence and Space (DS) said that its stratospheric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has now been granted its Design Organisation Approval (DOA), a crucial milestone in the road map to secure type certification ahead of entry into service.
“As part of the DOA, the UK Civil Aviation Authority led an initial review of AALTO encompassing the company's procedures, facilities, and competency of its design team. The DOA certifies AALTO is an organisation with capabilities to design aircraft to the highest standards. AALTO is now working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority on the type certification of [the] Zephyr ahead of a targeted entry-into-service in 2026,” AALTO said.
News of the CAA approval came weeks after the CEO of AALTO, Samer Halawi, noted to Janes that the Zephyr had already been undertaking missions for paying customers on an ad hoc basis ahead of the anticipated CAA approvals that will be needed before these can be done on a more permanent footing.
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