Airbus Zephyr - HAPS

[ArmChairCivvy]

Great achievement!

But if you think of such UAVs supporting a RN CTF (as an example) they would run into bad weather, at times, re: still airborne over Arizona
- is the answer to reserve power liquid hydrogen, or what gives the best power for weight trade-off? Recognising there might be no need at all, and could turn out to be dead weight, reducing sensor load/ comms relay kit

[RunningStrong]

Great achievement!

But if you think of such UAVs supporting a RN CTF (as an example) they would run into bad weather, at times, re: still airborne over Arizona
- is the answer to reserve power liquid hydrogen, or what gives the best power for weight trade-off? Recognising there might be no need at all, and could turn out to be dead weight, reducing sensor load/ comms relay kit

It's flying at 58,000 ft, upto 70,000 ft. I'm not sure what bad weather considerations you'd come across.

[RunningStrong]

It's flying at 58,000 ft, upto 70,000 ft. I'm not sure what bad weather considerations you'd come across.

This is correct, descent to 58,000ft overnight as batteries are used, then return to 70,000ft+ during the day. That already good figure will only improve with time as batteries improve.

[ArmChairCivvy]

correct, descent to 58,000ft overnight as batteries are used, then return to 70,000ft+ during the day.

OK, so a CTF 'steaming' into the Barents Sea, as the wing blows
"the strongest jet streams are the polar jets, at 9–12 km (5.6–7.5 mi; 30,000–39,000 ft) above sea level, and the higher altitude"
... what might be the higher altitude?
can have such cover (overwatch - or back-up to satellities) as they proceed.

Will the HAPS have enough power to come back, as well
... or will it have to follow the narrative in the book "The Long Way Around"

[Dahedd]

Day 48.....previous record was 26 days (well 3 minutes under).

They've got to be going for the absolute record now...64 days.

[Timmymagic]

56 days airborne....only 9 to go for the all time record...

https://globe.adsbexchange.com/?icao=ae1313

[Timmymagic]

Set your alarms...they're definitely going for it...6.5 days to go....

[Phil R]

The story of the existing record that John provided a link to is a cracking read...well worth the time...

https://www.damninteresting.com/the-unc ... -hacienda/