Zephyr (a solar-powered, unmanned aerial vehicle) was built by Airbus and used for next generation internet delivery during a test flight above Arizona.
Airbus had been testing HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station) aboard the British-built UAV. This was part of an 18-day trip in the stratosphere, at 76.100 feet above the surface.
Airbus said that the test was conducted in collaboration with NTT DOCOMO (a Japanese mobile operator) and may one day allow for superfast broadband to be available in remote locations without having to launch a fleet to low earth orbit.
The UAV was equipped with an onboard radio transmitter, which allowed it to provide a datalink that could be used in future systems that send Internet signals between the UAV’s computer and another.
Airbus believes that this successful test may open the door to Zephyr aircraft capable of delivering mobile internet at 5G/6G speeds to remote locations of the world or providing an emergency signal boost in densely populated areas.
Zephyr was a Solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), built by Airbus. It was part of an Arizona test flight that delivered next-generation wireless internet.
Airbus had been testing HAPS (High Altitude Platform Station) aboard the British-built UAV. This was part of an 18-day flight into the stratosphere, at 76.100ft above surface level.
These two companies plan to expand on these tests. They will use Zephyr as a communication platform to offer internet and Internet services to remote areas, mountain regions and coastal areas.
This is because radio waves can be difficult to reach in these areas. A UAV that hovers 13 miles above ground, relaying data as well as calls, helps fill this gap.
Zephyr has two propellers and can be powered entirely by sunlight thanks to the solar panels that line its entire 82-foot wingspan.
The vehicle is typically launched by four to five ground personnel, and then it can be walked or run into light winds. However, the onboard software allows remote navigation.
For the new test, the team captured data at different times of the day and night, at a range of altitudes, and focused on connectivity in different weather conditions.
Our goal was to determine if the Zephyr platform is viable for internet access in an area of approximately
Airbus spokeswoman said that the demonstration ‘confirmed the viability of the 2GHz spectrum to HAPS-based services as well as the use of a narrow band (450MHz), to provide connectivity over a range up to 140km’.
It was also a feasible solution to provide direct communication with smartphones in the stratosphere.
Takehiro Nakamura (General Manager, 6G-IOWN Promotion Department at DOCOMO) stated that “DOCOMO believes HAPS will provide a promising solution to coverage expansion in 6G evolution and 5G”
“In this measurement experiment, it was possible to show the effectiveness of HAPS especially for direct communication to smartphone users through long-term propagation measurements with actual HAPS equipment.
“Based on these findings, we wish to continue studying the practical application HAPS in 6G Evolution and 5G with Airbus.”
Airbus claims that the test was conducted in collaboration with NTT DOCOMO (a Japanese mobile operator) and may lead to superfast broadband in remote locations without having to launch a fleet satellites to low earth orbit.
The UAV was equipped with an onboard radio transmitter, which allowed it to provide a datalink that could be used in future systems that send internet signals from a computer and the UAV.
Our goal is to provide the best mobile network coverage to all locations, including those in remote parts of Earth.
It’s not just about filling gaps in the ocean or mountainous areas. Airbus suggests that it can be used to increase coverage in densely-populated areas or to shorten time spans to enhance coverage of major events, music festivals, and protests.
Poor or insufficient connectivity is a problem that affects billions around the world. The tests have shown us that we can use the stratosphere and Zephyr to connect directly to the device, without the need to build infrastructure or base stations, said Stephane Ginoux from Airbus’ North Asia Region.
Once fully operational, the satellite will prove to be more cost-effective and simpler than other satellites. It can also land and then be repurposed to perform a new mission.
It uses the sun to recharge and fly, so it doesn’t need fuel. The secondary batteries can be charged during daylight power and overnight flight.
Jana Rosenmann of Airbus, Head of Unmanned Aerial Systems, says Zephyr could be in the air for as much as six months.
Airbus claims that the successful test will pave the way to Zephyr-powered aircraft that can deliver 5G or 6G mobile internet in remote areas of the globe, as well as providing short-term signal boosters during major events, such as those occurring in densely populated areas.
Zephyr is typically hand-launched by four to five ground crew, who fast-walk or jog into a light wind, but it features on-board software for remote navigation
She stated that she had ambitions of traveling for a period of up to six months and we have the potential to do so.
Our batteries have been performing exceptionally well. “I think that we are very confident in (reaching) 3 months. I’d say it would be no problem to go on for 6 months.
It is being pitched by the company for possible use in disaster areas and any other area where it is necessary to have real-time data.
Airbus claims it can revolutionize disaster management by monitoring wildfire spread and oil spillages.