HAPS UAV Completes Basic Flight Tests

HAPSMobile has successfully completed the fourth test flight of its Sunglider solar-powered high-altitude pseudo-satellite (HAPS) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The test flight took place at Spaceport America in New Mexico, and its completion marks the conclusion of all basic aircraft tests for the aircraft. HAPSMobile will now begin preparations for stratospheric test flights.

During this round of testing, Sunglider reached altitudes higher than those of previous flights and maintained high altitudes for a long duration. Other test milestones included flight speed changes, steep turns, automated flight control in the event of interrupted communications with the Ground Control System, and in-flight balance control.

HAPSMobile has constructed a new specialised test site at Spaceport America, providing an additional facility to the existing test site on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. Spaceport America offers flexibility in coordinating test flight schedules, providing opportunities to conduct test flights with greater frequency and more freedom to conduct various types of tests. HAPSMobile also plans to conduct stratospheric test flights at Spaceport America.

Junichi Miyakawa, President and CEO of HAPSMobile, commented: “We’re extremely pleased that we successfully completed all basic tests. The test flight validates the research results we have steadily accumulated, and the graceful flight at our new facility in Spaceport America has given us great confidence. Based on our experience and learning from these basic tests, I feel there are even greater possibilities for the HAPS business. We’ll continue to work toward our ultimate goal of bridging the world’s digital divide and revolutionizing mobile connectivity by leveraging the HAPS platform.”