Facebook's (FB) Aquila Successfully Completes Second Test
Zacks Investment Research | Jun 29, 2017 11:53PM ET
Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) has completed the second functional test flight of its internet-beaming drone, named Aquila, designed to extend internet connectivity to remote places throughout the world in future, per the company’s blog post.
Facebook’s internet-beaming drone is a slow-moving aeroplane, with a tremendous wingspan measuring 141 feet, and is built with carbon fiber to be lightweight to keep it airborne for ultra-long periods. Flying as high as 65,000 feet in the air, Aquila uses lasers to transmit data to other aircrafts as well as receivers on the ground that then convert signals into internet access.
In Jun 2016, Aquila's first flight attempt had ended in a crash landing after it flew above the Arizona desert for one hour and 36 minutes. Nevertheless, the company called it a success despite the drone suffering a damaged wing.
During the second test on May 22, Aquila flew for an hour and 46 minutes before landing near the aviation testing facility in Yuma, AZ, where Facebook's team of aeronautical platforms had been working on their first internet drone.
Facebook engineers reportedly made a number of changes to the drone since its inaugural test flight, including spoilers on the aircraft’s wings in order to create drag and so reduce lift during the landing approach.
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