AeroVironment Successfully Tests Upgraded Solar-Powered Aircraft Sunglider™, Unveils Horus™ A for Government Applications

AeroVironment unveils Horus A, a solar-powered UAS offering enhanced stratospheric performance and mission flexibility for government applications.

AeroVironment (AV) recently completed successful flight tests of its upgraded solar-powered aircraft, the Sunglider™, marking a significant advancement in High-Altitude Platform-Station (HAPS) technology. The upgraded version, named Horus™ A, is a solar-powered Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) specifically designed for government applications, offering enhanced stratospheric capabilities.

Horus A

Horus A is engineered to carry up to 150 lbs of payload and deliver 1.5 kW of available power, setting new industry standards for high-altitude solar-powered performance. Its upgrades include significant improvements in avionics, autonomy, and mission flexibility, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of government missions. The UAS also features multiple redundant systems to ensure mission success and reliability.

Airworthiness Approval and Flight Testing

In a key milestone, Horus A received airworthiness approval from the U.S. Army and a Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification allows AeroVironment to test Horus A in national airspace, validating its capabilities in real-world scenarios.

Stratospheric Flight Advancements with SoftBank

Horus A represents a major step forward in AV’s collaboration with SoftBank, where both companies continue to push the limits of solar-powered stratospheric flight. The developments made in Horus A flow back into the ongoing evolution of the Sunglider™ platform, enabling higher payload capacities and persistence for commercial and government use.

Unlocking New Potential in Solar-Powered UAS Technology

With its unmatched payload capacity, long endurance, and enhanced autonomy, Horus A is poised to revolutionize the possibilities of stratospheric, solar-powered flight. It promises to deliver cutting-edge capabilities for both military and commercial sectors, offering unprecedented mission flexibility and technological advancements.