Auto Racing-Inspired Technology To Help Airbus Drone Program

A division of Williams Grand Prix Engineering, a Formula One racing team, has signed a deal with aeronautics giant Airbus to provide auto racing-inspired technology to help further develop the capabilities of drones.

Williams Advanced Engineering, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will collaborate with Airbus on the company’s Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) program. Specifically, the partnership will focus on integrating Williams’ ultra-lightweight materials, battery technologies and electrical cell chemistries into the solar-powered drone.

Williams has been the sole battery supplier to the FIA Formula E championship since the electric-powered auto racing circuit started in 2014. Its most recent innovations have included using recycled carbon fibre to manufacture components that are up to 40 percent lighter than current parts on the market.

The expertise could help Zephyr, which can fly at more than 65,000 feet for months at a time. Currently, the first drone is being manufactured for the UK Ministry Of Defence.

In a statement, Craig Wilson, managing director at Williams Advanced Engineering said: “We are delighted to be working with them on this project, and hope to share some of our expertise in electrification, battery systems and advanced lightweight materials, as well as learn from their vast experience in aerospace.”

Jana Rosenmann, head of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at Airbus, added: “Our engineering teams are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from the Formula 1 world and just as enthusiastic about sharing much of what we have learned in developing solutions to high-altitude, solar-powered flight.”