Uncrewed Solar Aircraft Passes Key Ground Tests

The German Aerospace Center's (DLR) solar-powered high altitude platform (HAP) has completed ground vibration testing, in preparation for low altitude flight testing planned for 2026.

German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany

High-altitude uncrewed aircraft can remain in the lower stratosphere for extended periods, performing a wide range of Earth observation and communications tasks - from monitoring shipping lanes and supporting disaster response to providing internet access. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has now taken an important step in the development of its own high-flying solar aircraft by successfully completing a Ground Vibration Test (GVT) on its innovative HAP-alpha high-altitude platform. Extensive ground trials took place at DLR's National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt, Germany. Further tests will follow and the first low-altitude flight trial is planned for 2026, subject to ideal weather conditions.

“With HAP-alpha, DLR is demonstrating its comprehensive systems expertise in the complete design, development and operation of a new and innovative aircraft, incorporating all disciplines,” explains DLR Executive Board Member for Aeronautics, Markus Fischer. “This illustrates our engagement in an important field of innovation, to strengthen Germany as a location for technology and business and to open up new perspectives for our public stakeholders in collaboration and knowledge exchange.”