Britain orders third Zephyr-S UAV for testing program

LONDON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Britain's Ministry of Defense has ordered a third solar-powered Zephyr-S unmanned aerial vehicle from Airbus Defense and Space.

The Zephyr-S is an ultra-lightweight UAVs that is capable of flying as high as 70,000 feet for up to 45 days at a time at a speed of 35 miles per hour.

The UAV is often referred to as a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite because it performs more like a satellite than a conventional UAV.

The third vehicle ordered by Britain is part of a $16.9 million contract deal with Airbus Defense and Space and will be part of a 2017 operational concept demonstrator project to assess Zephyr's capabilities and explore its potential for use by the U.K. armed forces.

"Zephyr utilizes a wide range of innovative technologies with the aim of delivering a world leading disruptive capability," said Defense Equipment and Support Chief Executive Tony Douglas. "Purchasing a third airframe demonstrates how the MOD, through DE&S, can create a positive and collaborative partnership with industry, vital for both the UK economy and for our Armed Forces."

Added Defense Secretary Michael Fallon: "Zephyr is a cutting-edge, record-breaking piece of kit that will be capable of gathering constant, reliable information over vast geographical areas at a much greater level of detail than ever before."