Facebook to test 747-sized drones that will beam broadband to the entire world
Despite they're vastness they could be lifted by one strong human
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Facebook has announced plans to test its ambitious Aquila drone program this summer.
The solar-powered unmanned aircraft will have the wingspan of a commercial passenger jet, a length equivalent to "six or seven Toyota Priuses" but only weigh about the same as four car tyres.
They will be capable of beaming broadband around the world, helping Facebook towards its dream of providing internet access to the two-thirds of the planet still without it.
"We are working towards a real test flight this summer sometime," vice president of engineering Jay Parikh told The Wall Street Journal.
A one tenth-size version was tested earlier in the month, but this will be a much bigger undertaking.
"Depending on how this test flight goes, we'll see what happens," Parikh added. "This is a big plane, this is a big project and it’s never been done before."
The project makes use of solar and battery technology that has only just been developed, so it is still very much in the experimental phase and the drones are unlikely to be launched commercially anytime soon.
There is also the matter of securing deals with internet carriers, as Facebook has denied it will start its own ISP, saying it would go against the company's core goals.
Google is also working on a mass-internet plan, Project Loon, but using a less sexy method involving swarms of balloons.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments