To carry out its global network Aquila Facebook UAV completes first test flight

Over the years, Facebook has "connected world" dream. In order to achieve this vision, Facebook Facebook Connectivity Lab laboratory was set up in 2014, through drones, satellites and other means to solve network problems. Today Facebook officially announced that continued research and development of the company Aquila drone projects have successfully completed the first flight, company CEO Mark Zuckerberg is also witness to this moment. Just Cavalli iPhone 5 Case

Previously, Facebook has repeatedly flew small test Aquila drones, today is the first test full-size flying drone. According to Facebook introduction during the process of testing, Aquila was flying at a low altitude only 96 minutes, and the expected three-month battery life, there is a big gap. You know, Google's network Project Loon has a balloon floating in the upper stratosphere 6 months can be achieved.

In theory, because Aquila is powered by solar panels, and Aquila in the 60,000 to 90,000 feet in the air transport network signals for as long as 90 days. It's wingspan is longer than a Boeing 737, but Aquila's wings are made of steel hardness higher than the carbon fiber fuselage density can be lighter than aluminum, and overall weight can be controlled at 880 pounds, lighter than most cars. Moreover, in cruise mode, Aquila drone can be controlled to a very low power consumption, only 5000 Watts. Each network covering the drone can reach 96 km radius.

However, in the process of the global network, Facebook also has a lot of problems need to be solved. In addition to previously flew for the first time the range is not ideal, mostly did not achieve the desired objectives, issues, who is going to build the network infrastructure? Exactly who is going to pay for data services? Facebbook is needed to provide what level of network service. You know, Facebook pushes the network still need to set the antenna on the ground side, to push the drone's signal into a Wi-Fi or 4G. If unwilling to set the antenna receiving signals on the ground, then the user cannot connect to the Internet. Just Cavalli iPhone case