UAE’s ApusNeo18 HAPS Completes First Public Stratospheric Flight

Mira Aerospace has completed the first public test flight of its solar powered ApusNeo18 High Altitude Platform System during Dubai Airshow 2025 as they announced trough a Press Release on their website.

The aircraft climbed into the stratosphere and proved it can fly for very long periods, send data in real time, and carry advanced Earth observation sensors.

The test took place in November, a period considered less favorable for high altitude flights in the UAE. Even so, ApusNeo18 performed with stability and endurance. That result shows the aircraft is ready for commercial missions across different climates.

Khaled Al Marzooqi, CEO of Mira Aerospace, said the flight validates years of engineering work and brings the platform to commercial readiness. ApusNeo18 is the company’s first fully mature HAPS model, evolving from the smaller ApusNeo14. It now offers more payload capacity, higher operational ceilings, and broader mission flexibility.

Engineering Features and Payload Testing

HAPS aircraft operate above commercial air traffic and below satellites. This gives them persistence similar to space systems with the flexibility of aircraft. ApusNeo18 is built for long missions. It uses solar power, has an 59 ft (18 meter) wingspan, and can reach altitudes near 59 thousand feet while carrying a eight lb (four kilograms) payload.

A separate announcement from UAVOS confirmed the completion of another major test. UAVOS provided engineering support for a flight dedicated to testing the aircraft’s gyro stabilized payload. The mission lasted 48 hours over Abu Dhabi. The payload captured high resolution imagery at altitudes up to 40,000 ft. The system reached a seven feet ground sample distance, which is strong performance for mapping from that altitude.

The payload features automatic temperature control to survive stratospheric cold near minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit. It also maintains radio communication beyond 62 miles. The gimbal allows observation across a wide range of viewing angles with accurate positioning. The sensors include a GSTiR thermal camera and a Phase One 150 megapixel camera built for aerial imaging.

Strategic Value for the UAE

ApusNeo18 supports the UAE Space Strategy 2030 by expanding national capabilities in persistent geospatial intelligence. The flight places the UAE among a small group of countries that have demonstrated sustained HAPS performance at stratospheric altitudes.

Space42, the parent company of Mira Aerospace, plans to begin production at a dedicated facility in Abu Dhabi. It is one of the few end to end HAPS manufacturing lines in the world. This investment strengthens the UAE’s position as a regional center for high altitude innovation and dual use aerospace technology.

The aircraft’s long endurance makes it useful for environmental monitoring, disaster response, and security missions. Its performance opens new commercial opportunities for high resolution, near real time Earth observation without relying on satellites.

DroneXL’s Take

Solar powered HAPS platforms continue to move from concept to real operations. ApusNeo18 is another sign that these aircraft are becoming practical tools for long term observation and communication. The UAE is moving fast, and the mix of thermal and high resolution optical imaging shows clear interest in persistent mapping and monitoring. If production ramps up as planned, we could see more of these systems supporting climate research, emergency operations, and even commercial data services. I would really love to fly one of this long endurance beasts.

Photo credit: Space42