JANUARY 2018 | MANE AEROSPACE, DEFENCE & SPACE | 17
Airbus & Williams Advanced Engineering to collaborate on Zephyr Drone Project
irbus and Williams Advanced Engineering, have announced they are to work in collaboration to apply
F1-inspired technology to the aerospace industry. They will focus on the ways in which ultra-lightweight materials, battery technologies and electrical cell chemistries can be integrated on Airbus’ Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) programme.
Zephyr is a solar-powered, unmanned aerial system (UAS), or drone, with unique communications and surveillance capabilities. The aircraft, which was originally built and designed by Qinetiq, will fly at more than 65,000 ft, above commercial air traffic, for months at a time.
Williams Advanced Engineering has been a leader among motor racing for four decades but has expanded outside of motorsport into the defence, energy, sports science and healthcare sectors. The company has worked in colloboration with others to provide its expertise in electrification, aero and thermodynamics, advanced lightweight materials and vehicle integration.
Craig wilson, managing director of Williams Advanced Engineering, said the company is delighted to work on the project and share its expertise while also learning from Airbus' expertise in the aerospace industry. Likewise the head of the Unmanned Aerial Systems at Airbus is also thrilled to learn from the Formula 1 world.
Production examples are being manufactured at Farnborough for the UK Ministry of Defence.
A