HAPSMobile completes test flight of unmanned aircraft for stratospheric telecom systems

摘要

HAPSMobile, a subsidiary of Japan's telecommunications operator SoftBank, has completed the fourth successful test flight of its 'Sunglider' solar-powered high-altitude platform system (HAPS). The flight took place on 23 July at Spaceport America in New Mexico. With all basic aircraft tests for the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) now complete, HAPSMobile plans to proceed with preparations for stratospheric test flights. According to HAPSMobile, in this fourth test flight, Sunglider, the newly renamed UAS designed for stratospheric telecommunications platforms, reached altitudes higher than those of previous flights and maintained high altitudes for a long duration. Sunglider also passed all test points, including flight speed changes, steep turns, automated flight control in the event of interrupted communications with the Ground Control System, and in-flight balance control.