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AirStrato

The AirStrato was a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) stratospheric unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engineered to achieve a flight ceiling of 18,000 m (59,000 ft) using hybrid solar cells and high-density energy batteries

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Program overview and applications

 

Designed for nearly 24 hours of flight endurance, AirStrato featured global control capabilities via satellite and GSM networks over the Internet from anywhere on Earth. With a generous payload capacity and near-space flight envelope, the platform was developed for long-duration scientific, commercial, and defense applications.AirStrato was engineered as a versatile aerial platform capable of supporting a wide array of missions:

  • Defense & Security: Border patrol (land and maritime), military reconnaissance, and tactical surveillance.

  • Communications & Connectivity: High-altitude internet delivery networks for remote regions and airborne communication relay systems.

  • Environmental & Emergency Management: Disaster monitoring, search and rescue (SAR), hazardous/contaminated area tracking, and remote exploration (polar, ocean, desert).

  • Infrastructure & Commercial: Inspection of oil pipelines and power grids, meteorology, atmospheric scientific research, maritime/traffic control, and aerial cinematography.

In 2017, the AirStrato program was acquired by a US telecommunications corporation.

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The Accelerator (Pneumatic Launcher)

 

While early AirStrato prototypes utilized traditional landing gear, flight testing led to the development of a custom catapult launching system. Removing the heavy landing gear reduced overall airframe weight and enabled field launches from remote areas lacking runways.

The Accelerator was a high-performance pneumatic launcher that propelled the AirStrato from 0 to 55 km/h (34 mph) in less than one second. Recovery was handled via an integrated onboard parachute system, enabling safe landing in virtually any terrain.

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The Interface (Mission Control Center)

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Flight operations were managed through a custom Mission Control Center designed for real-time satellite telemetry and command links, regardless of the aircraft's distance. The system allowed operators to:

  • Monitor full telemetry and engine parameters in real time.

  • Program autonomous autopilot routines, fly in inertially stabilized mode, or execute full manual control.

  • Manage onboard sub-systems and payload sensors.

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Integrated HOTAS Flight Controls 

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The pilot interface utilized a HOTAS (Hands On Throttle-And-Stick) setup to maximize operational response time:

  • Throttle: Controlled motor thrust differentials, initiated Accelerator pneumatic pressurization, executed the launch sequence, and featured reserved channels for civil aviation air traffic control communication.

  • Flight Stick: Managed emergency recovery parachute deployment, controlled payload functions, and navigated the primary flight user interface.

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AirStrato Technical Specifications

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  • Wingspan: 16 m

  • Length: 7 m

  • Height 1.5 m

  • Wing area: 19.2 sqm

  • Empty weight: 185 kg

  • Max. payload weight at 18,000m: 45 kg

  • Max. take-off weight: 230 kg

  • Motor: electric brushless 8085

  • Motor thrust at sea level: 20 kgf

  • Number of motors: 6

  • Solar cells power: 2,300 W

  • Take-off speed: 54 km/h

  • Sustained rate of climb: 3 (m/s)

  • Flight ceiling: 18,000 m

  • Cruise speed (km/h)*: 152 km/h

  • Maximum speed (km/h)*: 170 km/h

  • Endurance (hours)**: 20 hours

  • Ferry range (km): 1,200 km

  • Flight computer: EMAC VDX PC104

  • IMU: XSens MTI 10

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* At maximum altitude
** Depending on season for available sunlight

 

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