Data Quality84%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category.
01 / Overview
Airbus Zephyr
Country
Prime contractor
Production
2017–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · MODERN ERA
6
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
70
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the reconnaissance / surveillance drones category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- UAV ClassHAPS
- Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
- First Flight2005
- Service Entry Year2024
- Primary RoleReconnaissance / Surveillance / Communications Relay
- In ServiceNo
◈Airframe3MOD.3
- Wingspan25 m
- Max Takeoff Weight60 kg
- Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant2MOD.2
- Engine TypeSolar-electric
- Electric PropulsionYes
◇Performance3MOD.3
- Service Ceiling23,196 m
- Endurance624
- Maximum Payload5 kg
◆Payload & Sensors6MOD.6
- EO/IR SensorYes
- SAR / GMTI RadarNo
- SIGINT PayloadYes
- Laser DesignatorNo
- Sensor Payload Weight5 kg
- Comms RelayYes
▤Armament2MOD.2
⬢Control & Autonomy4MOD.4
▲Production1MOD.1
- Variants7
◎Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start2003
- Operational StatusUnder development
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2017Production started
9
years in service
3
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 1 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
Operator Countries4country
05 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · Modern Era
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
16RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES6MODERN ERA · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES56UNITED KINGDOM · ALL WEAPONS210PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE6terms
Capable of performing tasks or missions without direct human control, using onboard systems to make decisions and execute actions.
A capability enabling drones to relay communication signals between units, extending operational range and maintaining network connectivity in combat environments.
Electro-optical/infrared sensor combining daylight cameras and thermal imagers for real-time target detection, tracking, and identification in military drones.
Electric Propulsion: A propulsion system using electric motors powered by batteries or other electrical energy sources to generate thrust.
A communication link between a drone and its control station via satellite relay, enabling beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources