Advances in HALE/MALE systems prove the sky is not the limit for drones
The PHASA-35 exceeds altitudes of 66,000 feet when in flight. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Drone systems are multiplying at high altitudes as designers turn out new components and subsystems that let units operate there.
Threat detection and reaction times have never been more important on the battlefield and fleets of high-flying, long-lasting uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) units provide a critical early warning and communications network for modern-day militaries.
For today’s defence industry, client interest in expanding high- and medium-altitude, long-endurance (HALE/MALE) drone fleets is only growing stronger as competition between different geopolitical blocs heats up. The result has been a burst of new releases and industry collaboration as companies team up to benefit from one another’s strengths in different fields of expertise in this highly complex area.
Threat detection upgrades
In June, US-headquartered General Atomics
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