Audi e-tron Assists Flight Test
For the uninititated, Kea Aerospace, based in Christchurch, New Zealand, develops solar-powered high-altitude UAVs, including the Kea Atmos, designed for extended stratospheric flights. Their innovative technology supports environmental monitoring, disaster response, and telecommunications, offering sustainable aerial data solutions. In 2023, Archibalds Audi had the privilege of partnering with Kea Aerospace for the launch of the Kea Atmos Mk1, marking a significant milestone in the mission’s success. The collaboration featured the Audi e-tron, showcasing the fusion of innovation and advanced technology. This event not only highlighted the incredible potential of both companies but also underscored their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable technology.
On November 12, 2024, Kea Aerospace achieved a significant milestone by completing their low-altitude flight test program, which had been underway for over a year. Following the success of their previous launches, we are thrilled to have been part of this journey with them, providing an Audi Q4 e-tron. The Kea Aerospace team started early that day, with preparations beginning at 4 a.m. By 5:45 a.m., the Kea Atmos Mk1 took flight, just before the sun rose and the wind had a chance to pick up. The calm conditions were perfect for another successful test, bringing them one step closer to their ambitious goal.
Watching this flight marked the end of one phase and the beginning of another for Kea Aerospace. Their next target? Stratospheric flight at around 50,000 feet. We’re excited to see the progress they will continue to make toward their vision of launching a solar-powered unmanned aircraft capable of soaring in the stratosphere for months at a time.
At Archibald Audi, we are incredibly proud to have partnered with Kea Aerospace on this exciting journey. The Audi Q4 e-tron has been an essential part of their flight test program, and we’re thrilled to have provided a vehicle that complements their vision so seamlessly. The e-tron’s electric powertrain is not only a perfect match for Kea Aerospace’s solar-electric mission but also represents our shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
With its advanced technology, smooth suspension, and quiet performance, the Audi e-tron has supported the Kea Atmos Mk1 test flights in ways that go beyond just transportation. The e-tron’s electric drivetrain offers a silent, emissions-free operation, much like the solar-electric Kea Atmos, reinforcing the core values of both brands—clean, sustainable energy solutions.
Moreover, the e-tron’s sophisticated technology has played a key role in transporting the Kea Aerospace team and their equipment to the launch site, while also providing a reliable and efficient vehicle for this cutting-edge project. Whether navigating early mornings or harsh conditions, the e-tron has delivered the performance and dependability needed for the team to focus on perfecting the Kea Atmos.
We believe in the power of collaboration to drive innovation, and this partnership with Kea Aerospace has only strengthened that belief. The synergy between the Audi e-tron and the Kea Atmos is a testament to the potential of sustainable technology, and we’re excited to continue supporting them as they reach new heights—both literally and figuratively.
6,000ft Flight Completes Low Altitude Test Campaign
Press release by Kea Aerospace
In November we took a giant leap toward the stratosphere! Our Kea Atmos aircraft soared to 6,000 feet and flew 8km downrange, marking the first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for the Kea Atmos. This flight also marked the completion of the company’s low-altitude test campaign, which included twelve previous Kea Atmos flights, and now the Kea Aerospace team is preparing the aircraft for higher altitudes.
The Kea Atmos is engineered to be incredibly light and efficient. With a 12.5-metre wingspan—1.5 metres wider than a Cessna 172—it weighs less than 40 kg, about the weight of a Bonobo chimpanzee. Powered by the energy equivalent of a hair dryer, the Kea Atmos is designed to push the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable flight. With summer approaching, we’re now watching for weather windows to open up that will take our mission further, higher, and longer than ever. Stay tuned as we reach for the stratosphere!
This flight also debuted the Kea Atmos from the stunning Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, where we had the privilege of using their new hangar and facilities. Tāwhaki is an exceptional R&D hub, and its infrastructure plays a pivotal role in advancing New Zealand’s aerospace industry. A massive thank you to the dedicated team at Tāwhaki for their support.
“The Kea Atmos is the first solar-powered stratospheric aircraft designed and built in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s an incredible challenge to make the aircraft as lightweight as possible to fly in less than 10% of the air density we have at sea level, but at the same time it has to be tough enough to handle flying through the fast jet streams”, Mark Rocket says.
Kea Aerospace is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. High altitude flights are planned this year to take-off from Tāwhaki, on the Kaitorete Spit, located around 50 kilometres south of Christchurch.
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Company Info and Kea Atmos Applications
Kea Aerospace is building a fleet of solar-powered stratospheric aircraft that will be used to collect frequent high resolution aerial imagery for applications such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, maritime awareness and disaster management.
Disaster Management. Swiftly responding to better managing disasters when there are events such as extreme weather events, earthquakes, tsunamis and fires.
Environment. Monitoring the weekly changes in the environment by detecting pollution on land and in waterways.
Smart Cities. Developing smart cities where we can improve traffic flow, monitor housing changes and better manage our green spaces.
Precision Agriculture. Better data and analysis tools to enable precision agriculture and horticulture, such as reducing water and fertiliser use.
Forestry. Regularly monitoring vast forest areas for tree health and assessing fire risk.
Maritime. Monitoring crucial parts of New Zealand’s maritime Exclusive Economic Zone, of over four million square kilometres (around 15 times the size of New Zealand’s landmass), to detect illegal fishing boats and other vessels.
Audi Electric Vehicles
With its combination of electric drive and a comfortable, sophisticated interior, the Audi e-tron creates a new sense of mobility.
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View the Audi e-tron as well as other fully electric and plug-in hybrid Audi electric vehicles.
