Successful ApusDuo HAPS solar aircraft test flight

Mira Aerospace, a joint venture of UAVOS, a developer and manufacturer of advanced unmanned systems, and Bayanat, a part of the Abu Dhabi-based G42, announced a successful test flight of the ApusDuo solar-powered high-altitude pseudo satellite (HAPS). The flight took place on June 8, 2023 at the Huye aerodrome, the Republic of Rwanda.

With all basic aircraft tests for the ApusDuo HAPS now complete, Mira Aerospace will proceed with preparations for stratospheric test flights.

During this test flight the ApusDuo UAS reached altitudes of 16,686 m HMSL (height above mean sea level) and touched down at the departure runway in 10 hours and 30 min after takeoff. The ApusDuo HAPS successfully achieved a scope of test points, including flight stability check and controllability with a payload of 3,6 kg installed at high altitudes and C2 link performance evaluation (the communications link between a UAV and its ground station).

Greater possibilities for the HAPS business

The UAVOS-designed avionics system demonstrated stable performance in extreme temperatures of minus 68 degrees centigrade. The UAVOS avionics system serves as the brain of the ApusDuo unmanned aircraft ensuring safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight profiles throughout the various phases of lift-off, ascent and landing.

“We're extremely pleased about the successful completion of the next test range,” said Vadim Tarasov, Board Member, Mira Aerospace. “Based on our experience and learnings from these tests, we feel there are even greater possibilities for the HAPS business.

The Mira Aerospace team will continue to work toward our ultimate goal of bridging the world's digital divide and revolutionizing mobile connectivity by leveraging the HAPS platform.”

The HAPS program was established to fast-track the development and adoption of HAPS technology to support high altitude missions. The missions include providing a wide range of applications in Connectivity, Earth observation, Weather, Security, Natural Resources and Emergency Disaster management.

HAPS refers to systems where unmanned aircraft flying in the stratosphere can be operated like telecommunication base stations to deliver connectivity across wide areas. Since HAPS can provide stable telecommunications networks without being affected by situations on the ground, the technology is also expected to help assist rescue and recovery efforts during times of disasters.