Kea Atmos reaches 6000 feet in first BVLOS flight

Kea Aerospace has flown its Atmos uncrewed aircraft up to 6,000 feet and 8km downrange, marking the first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight for the system. 

The flight also marked the completion of the company’s low-altitude test campaign, which included twelve previous Kea Atmos flights. The Kea Aerospace team is now preparing the aircraft for higher altitudes.

The Kea Atmos has a 12.5-metre wingspan and weighs less than 40 kg. The company describes it as being “powered by the energy equivalent of a hair dryer”.

This flight also debuted the Kea Atmos from the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, where Kea Aerospace made use of the new hangar and facilities.