Internet30.06.2017
Facebook’s Aquila making progress
Facebook has reached another milestone in the Aquila programme, completing a second full-scale test flight of the aircraft.
Aquila is a solar-powered plane that can be used to bring Internet connectivity to people.
Aquila will be able to circle a region up to 60 miles in diameter, beaming connectivity down from an altitude of 60,000 feet using laser communications and millimetre wave systems.
Aquila is designed to fly for up to three months at a time, and flew for 1 hour and 46 minutes in its latest test.
Facebook has incorporated a number of modifications to Aquila, including:
- Adding “spoilers” to the wings, to increase drag during landing.
- Incorporating more sensors.
- Modifying the autopilot.
- Integrating new radios.
- A smoother finish on the plane
- A horizontal propeller-stopping mechanism to support landing.
Now read: Facebook reaches two billion users
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