- On 2 September 2026, the uncrewed, high-flying platform HAP-alpha completed its first flight test.
- The inaugural flight took place at low altitude at DLR’s National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt.
- HAP-alpha is designed to serve as a flying test bed in the lower stratosphere, testing system technologies for Earth observation and communication under real operating conditions.
- Focus: Aeronautics, flight systems technology
On 2 September 2026, the uncrewed high-flying aircraft HAP (High Altitude Platform)-alpha, developed by the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), took off for the first time from DLR’s National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt. During the test flight, the team assessed the aircraft’s airworthiness at low altitude. The aircraft completed a safe flight of approximately 70 minutes over the airfield, reaching heights of up to 180 metres above ground.
The crew monitored the flight and ensured compliance with all specified processes and procedures. In doing so, they were able to rely on procedures rehearsed in advance, as well as close communication between team members to handle any situations that arose. In addition, they assessed various manoeuvres to test the behaviour of this newly developed aircraft.
“We at DLR are proud to have developed a flying platform from scratch and brought it into the air. This is an impressive achievement by our staff, demonstrating the expertise and interplay across all the necessary disciplines, as well as the extraordinary skills and dedication of everyone involved.” -Markus Fischer, DLR Divisional Board Member for Aeronautics
