Development
Analysis, ground test, and flight validation in sequence — scope grows only when prior results are understood.
- PH-1 Laboratory
Analysis & models
Propulsion, buoyancy, and thermal models inform configuration choices before hardware is committed. Subscale test articles are sized from these models.
- PH-2 Test stand
Ground test
Ion-wind thrust, electric propulsion, and pressure-control hardware validated on the bench and on captive rigs — thrust, mass, and thermal behaviour under representative conditions.
- PH-3 Low altitude
Subscale free flight
Free-flying demonstrators prove propulsion authority, stationkeeping, and recovery procedures at low altitude, with clear accountability on the ground and in the air.
- PH-4 Climbing
Endurance expansion
Campaigns lengthen endurance and raise operating ceiling in steps. Progression depends on repeatable flight behaviour, not schedule targets.
- PH-5 1–20 km
Stratospheric station
Persistent presence on station: connectivity, Earth observation, and wide-area detection missions, operated end to end — launch, ascent, position hold, recovery, refit, reflight.
Test-driven, in sequence
Hybrid propulsion and buoyancy control are validated in sequence, limiting risk and easing inspection between campaigns. Models inform configuration early; subscale articles confirm thrust, mass, and thermal behaviour before commitment to larger airframes.
Built responsibly
Safety, airspace coordination, and affordability are in the design baseline. Tests are planned with regulatory and local airspace constraints, with clear accountability on the ground and in the air. Materials and architecture are chosen for maintainability and unit economics in fielded service.
Work on the programme
Engineers and partners with relevant experience are welcome to reach us.
hello@lhevia.com