SoftBank Corp. Develops Aircraft That Delivers Telecommunications Connectivity From the Stratosphere
April 24 2019 - 10:30PM
Business Wire
New business to be launched through HAPSMobile
Inc.
SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”) today announced the launch of a High
Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) business through HAPSMobile Inc.
(“HAPSMobile”), a joint venture between SoftBank and US-based
company AeroVironment, Inc. With the aim of constructing a HAPS
system that delivers telecommunications network connectivity from
the sky for a global business, HAPSMobile developed “HAWK30,” an
unmanned aircraft for stratospheric telecommunications platform
system that flies at altitudes of approximately 20 kilometers.
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HAPS refers to systems where unmanned objects such as aircraft
flying in the stratosphere can be operated like telecommunication
base stations to deliver connectivity across wide areas. By
utilizing HAPS, SoftBank will be able to build stable Internet
connection environments at locations unserved by telecommunication
networks, such as mountainous terrain, remote islands and
developing countries. Furthermore, by efficiently interconnecting
with current telecommunication networks, SoftBank will be able to
realize wide-area connectivity that spans both the sky and the
ground to enable drone utilization, as well as contribute to the
adoption of IoT and 5G. Since HAPS can provide stable
telecommunications networks without being affected by situations on
the ground, the technology is also expected to help assist rescue
and recovery efforts during times of disasters.
“HAWK30”, the unmanned aircraft for stratospheric
telecommunications platform developed by HAPSMobile, measures
approximately 78 meters long. Powered by solar panels on its wings
that house 10 propellers, “HAWK30” can fly at speeds of
approximately 110 kilometers per hour on average. Since “HAWK30”
flies at high altitudes above the clouds, its solar panels are
continually powered by sunlight. “HAWK30” can also be flown for
long periods that range up to a number of months since it takes
advantage of the stratosphere’s climate, which sees winds that are
relatively gentle year-round.
The telecommunications network to be delivered to the ground by
“HAWK30” is expected to use a system that does not interfere with
the networks of terrestrial base stations. Furthermore, smooth
handovers between networks provided by terrestrial base stations
and by “HAWK30” will also be possible. As a result, communication
disruption will not occur even when a person using a smartphone
moves from a base station covered area to a “HAWK30” covered
area.
With a view to providing sky-based telecommunications networks
that utilize HAPS globally, HAPSMobile will conduct research and
development and flight tests while coordinating with the relevant
authorities in various countries and giving consideration to
business-related regulations. HAPSMobile is targeting 2023 for
“HAWK30” mass production and service launch.
The HAPS business is being positioned as an initiative for
SoftBank’s “Beyond Japan” strategy that takes insights from
successful businesses from Japan to the global stage. By providing
innovative services and deploying global businesses, SoftBank aims
to maximize corporate value.
About HAPSMobile Inc.
HAPSMobile is a joint venture between SoftBank Corp. and
Aerovironment, Inc. formed in December 2017 to plan and operate the
HAPS business with the aim of bridging the world’s digital divide.
HAPSMobile is mainly engaged in network equipment research and
development for the HAPS business, construction of core networks,
new business planning and activities for spectrum usage. For more
information visit https://www.hapsmobile.com.
About AeroVironment, Inc.
AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) provides customers with more
actionable intelligence so they can proceed with certainty. Based
in California, AeroVironment is a global leader in unmanned
aircraft systems and tactical missile systems, and serves defense,
government and commercial customers. For more information visit
www.avinc.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190424006183/en/
SoftBank Corp. Corporate CommunicationsMakiko AriyamaE-mail:
sbpr@g.softbank.co.jp
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