UAVOS has joined the High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) industry Alliance to promote the use of high-altitude solar-powered autonomous aircraft for facilitating global research missions, communication, connectivity, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance from the stratosphere.

By joining the HAPS Alliance, UAVOS will collaborate with member companies towards accelerating the development and adoption of HAPS technology into the evolution of the high altitude unmanned platforms market.

UAVOS says that its HAPS knowledge is based on test flights for more than 1000 hours of HAPS flight tests at altitudes of up to 66,000 feet. The ApusDuo project is the second generation of UAVOS’ HAPS solar airplane.

“We are excited to be a part of the HAPS Alliance and we look forward to the cross-industry cooperation that will foster adoption of new technology created by UAVOS team,” says Aliaksei Stratsilatau, UAVOS lead developer.

“Having an aircraft which is flight proven we hope that our considerable experience in the field of solar powered aircraft will help to make the next steps in the evolution of the HAPS market.”

Autonomous, high-altitude, ultra-long endurance aircraft powered by solar energy, HAPS platforms are designed for several use cases, including boosting internet connectivity across the globe; providing a long continuous monitoring of the Earth's surface; and creating a network of autonomous repeaters and high speed data signals.

Because they operate in the stratosphere, which is above ground infrastructure but below satellites, high altitude unmanned platforms are capable of providing near ubiquitous coverage, which avoids ground clutter and significant latency issues. 

Originally an initiative from HAPSMobile and Loon, the HAPS Alliance consists of members from the leading companies across the aerospace, technology and telecom industries. The goal of the HAPS Alliance is to advocate business development for “High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)” with authorities.

Members of the alliance will also work to accelerate the development and commercial adoption of HAPS technology.