Facebook's ambitious solar-powered airplane project is now complete and the long-endurance drone, dubbed Aquila, is set to bring high-speed Internet. The move is part of the social network's Internet.org initiative in remote parts of the world.
Aquila is an unmanned airplane, and its 140-foot wingspan is akin to that of a Boeing 737. However, the aircraft is quite lightweight, weighing less than 1,000 pounds owing to its carbon-fiber frame and novel design, and packs in the ability to stay airborne for a maximum of three months at a stretch.
The brainchild of Facebook's Connectivity Lab, Aquila will use a laser communication system to transmit Internet signals to stations located on the ground to provide access to remote areas.
Facebook's Aquila drone has been developed in tandem with engineers from Ascenta, a UK-based aerospace startup that it acquired in 2014.
"We've successfully tested a new laser that can transmit data at 10 gigabits per second. That's 10 times faster than any previous system, and it can accurately connect with a point the size of a dime from more than 10 miles away," revealed Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO.
Facebook's current effort is part of a major plan that looks to deploy satellites and other technology to offer high-speed Internet access to people in remote areas where traditional broadband network access is not possible.
The Facebook drone is designed in such a manner that it is capable of ascending to 90,000 feet, above commercial aircrafts and safe from thunderstorms. During the day, the drones will fly in circles with a 3-kilometer (approx. 2-mile) radius, and descend to 60,000 feet at night to preserve battery.
How will the drones be lifted in the air? Facebook intends to use helium balloons for the purpose. The drones are anticipated to offer Internet access to areas with a radius of 50 kilometers (31 miles).
Facebook has already tested smaller prototypes in the UK and is reportedly zeroing in on a site where it can test the bigger drone in the U.S.
Take a look inside Facebook's Connectivity Lab - an important part of our effort to bring connectivity to the billions of people who are unconnected today.
Posted by Facebook Engineering on Thursday, 30 July 2015
