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

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.

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.

The Interface (Mission Control Center)

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.

Integrated HOTAS Flight Controls

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.

AirStrato Technical Specifications

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

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