Online social networking service provider Facebook has completed the test flight of a solar-powered drone or unmanned aircraft prototype, Aquila, in a bid to provide internet connectivity to remote parts of the globe.
During the test, the lightweight, high-altitude aircraft flew for more than 90 minutes in Yuma, Arizona.
Designed to fly for up to three months at a time, Aquila requires 5,000w of power during cruising.
Once fully developed, Aquila will be able to circle a region up to 60mi in diameter and can beam connectivity down from an altitude of more than 60,000ft.
The drone, which weighs less than 1,000p, will use laser communications and millimeter wave systems to provide internet access.
Facebook engineering and infrastructure global head Jay Parikh said: "We’ve been flying a one-fifth scale version of Aquila for several months, but this was the first time we’ve flown the full-scale aircraft.
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By GlobalData“This test flight was designed to verify our operational models and overall aircraft design.
“To prove out the full capacity of the design, we will push Aquila to the limits in a lengthy series of tests in the coming months and years.”
The test flight also verified multiple performance models and components, such as aerodynamics, batteries, control systems, and crew training.
In the upcoming tests, Facebook will try to fly Aquila faster, higher and longer in order to reach to the aircraft’s planned cruising height of 60,000ft.
Image: Facebook’s solar-powered drone Aquila takes flight. Photo: courtesy of Facebook.
