Facebook’s unmanned Aquila drone – which will beam broadband to unconnected regions of the world – has concluded its first test flight.
Facebook’s Connectivity Lab concluded the first successful test flight on its Aquila drone today as part of a new initiative which will provide internet access to remote locations out-of-range of broadband networks.
Aquila, which takes the firm of a high-altitude unmanned aircraft, is a solar powered vessel designed to travel through near-inhospitable conditions. The drone, on final launch, will be able to circle a region 60 miles in diameter to beam connectivity down from 60,000 feet above the year.
Read: Facebook confirms plans to beam free internet to Africa
The team behind Aquila revealed that the aircraft – which has the wingspan of an airliner – will consume only 5,000 watts (as much as a conventional microwave) while staying aloft over the course of up to three months.
The test flight marked the first occasion the Facebook team had flown the aircraft, and was intended to test the team’s operational models and aircraft design.
The vessel’s first functional check was a low-altitude flight which, when successful, became a full 90-minute tour that was three times longer than planned.
https://youtu.be/eOez_Hk80TI
The team behind Aquila will have their work cut out for them, however; their first task is to best the present world record for solar-powered unmanned flight, which presently stands at two weeks.
During the event, the team made close mention of their intent to work alongside operators, governments and ‘other partners’ to deploy similar craft in remote regions in the near future.
Read: Facebook‘s drones to connect Africa, take on Google‘s balloons
What are your thoughts on the conclusion of Aquila’s first successful test flight? Which part of the globe could most benefit from the drone’s presence? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
