Stratodynamics Aviation Inc.

Published purpose

The HiDRON Suborbital Space Plane Stratodynamics is collaborating with researchers at the University of Waterloo to reengineer their remotely deployed stratospheric glider known as the HiDRON. To date, the record setting HiDRON unmanned aerial system (UAS) has successfully deployed a number of scientific payloads to the stratosphere and back. However, flight in such low density atmosphere is fraught with laminar airflow challenges and control issues. This collaboration will produce a new iteration of the HiDRON, custom designed for this poorly understood flight regime. The CSA grant will enable development and testing of the airframe at stratospheric altitudes. The Canadian aviation community will benefit from the aerodynamic advances arising from this collaboration as the altitudinal ceiling of commercial airspace rises closer to near space.