The FAA has granted HAPSMobile Inc. a Certificate of Authorization (COA2) to fly the HAWK30 solar-powered UAS to provide a stratospheric telecommunications platform system in the Hawaiian island of Lanai’s stratosphere. 

HAPSMobile has been working with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and the University of Hawaii to conduct stratospheric test flights using HAWK30, as part of collaborative activities with the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (PPUTRC). 

The entities received the authorization after UAF, which manages the PPUTRC, applied for the COA2 on behalf of the three parties.

Possessing the COA2, HAPSMobile, UAF and the University of Hawaii will prepare for test flights at Lanai in fiscal 2019 by performing safety verifications while coordinating with the island authorities and respecting business-related legislation and regulations.

HAPSMobile, UAF and the University of Hawaii also plan to hold information sessions for community residents to talk about safety considerations and promote understanding of the vision to utilize HAPS in the future.

“We are extremely pleased to receive this COA2 from the FAA. In taking up this major challenge to provide telecommunications connectivity from the stratosphere, this approval represents a major step forward,” says Junichi Miyakawa, president & CEO of HAPSMobile Inc.

“We will continue to work toward our goal of bridging the world’s digital divide and revolutionizing mobile networks by leveraging HAPS.”

HAPSMobile says that it will look to contribute to Lanai in several areas such as environmental conservation and agriculture.