Facebook plans to test Internet drones the size of a Boeing-747 this summer



    Facebook, like some other major IT companies, announced its intention to launch a whole fleet of UAVs. These drones will be used as network access points in remote areas. Thus, the company hopes to connect new users for whom the Internet was previously inaccessible luxury. The drones, by design, will use the energy of the Sun, and stay in the air for a long time.

    The size of the drone should be equal to the size of the Boeing-747. Earlier this month, the company tested a model 1/10 of the original. For drones, they came up with their own name - Aquila. The developers claim that the wingspan of the aircraft will be equal to the wingspan of a commercial jet. The length of the Aquila is 6-7 Toyota Prius, but the weight of the UAV will be equal to the weight of 4 car tires (it seems that Facebook loves clear comparisons).

    The light weight of the aircraft will allow it to be in the air for weeks and months, possibly years. The only source of energy for the device will be the energy of sunlight. It is worth noting that Google is also going to launch an army of UAVs that act as access points. But in the case of the "good corporation" balloons will be used.

    Now “solar technologies” for their UAVs are being finalized by Facebook, last year’s versions were not very suitable for use. With the help of its air fleet, the corporation plans to connect from 1.1 to 2.8 billion people who currently live without access to the Network. For this, the company is currently engaged in the conclusion of partnership agreements with telecom operators.

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