Data Quality82%
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 8
Country
Prime contractor
Production
2022–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES · MODERN ERA
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
65
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
◎General5MOD.5
- UAV Classhigh‑altitude platform station
- Category (MALE/HALE/Tactical/Micro)Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones
- First Flight2022
- Primary Rolereconnaissance, communications relay, environmental monitoring
- In ServiceNo
◈Airframe6MOD.6
- Length3 m
- Wingspan25 m
- Height0.5 m
- Empty Weight63 kg
- Max Takeoff Weight68 kg
- Low ObservableNo
▣Powerplant5MOD.5
- Engine Typeelectric solar‑powered motor
- Number of Engines1
- Engine Power5 kW
- Electric PropulsionYes
- Propeller / Configurationfixed‑pitch propeller
◇Performance6MOD.6
- Top Speed250 km/h
- Cruise Speed200 km/h
- Service Ceiling23,196 m
- Range2,000 km
- Endurance624
- Maximum Payload5 kg
◆Payload & Sensors2MOD.2
- Sensor Payload Weight5 kg
- Comms RelayYes
▤Armament4MOD.4
- ArmedNo
- Hardpoints0
- Weapons Payload0 kg
- Air-to-Ground MissilesNo
⬢Control & Autonomy2MOD.2
- Control Typeremote piloted with autonomous capabilities
- Autonomous CapableYes
▲Service History2MOD.2
- Production Start2022
- Operational Statusunder development
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2022Production started
4
years in service
2
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Variants
▚ WEAPON FAMILY
06 / MASS Score
RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES RANKING Reconnaissance / Surveillance Drones · Modern Era
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
9RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES3MODERN ERA · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES36UNITED KINGDOM · ALL WEAPONS220PERFORMANCE/PRICE · RECONNAISSANCE / SURVEILLANCE DRONES
ⓘ Rankings are within theReconnaissance / Surveillance Dronescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE3terms
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.
Electric Propulsion: A propulsion system using electric motors powered by batteries or other electrical energy sources to generate thrust.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources