The development of HAWK30 focuses on providing an enhanced stratospheric telecommunication platform

Japan based HAPSMobile- a subsidiary of SoftBank Corp., has reportedly confirmed that it has received an Authorizing Certificate from US Federal Aviation Administration to fly HAWK 30, a solar operated unmanned aircraft to facilitate a stratospheric telecommunication platform system, above Lanai in Hawaii.             

Citing reports, the activity has been carried out in collaboration with Pan- Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (PPUTRC) which is run by public university research institutions. Apparently, HAPSMobile Inc. has been working with the University of Hawaii and University of Alaska Fairbanks, that manages PPUTRC, to carry out HAWK30 test flights. Reportedly, the application to obtain certification of authorization from FAA was submitted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

As per trusted sources, with the attainment of authorization, HAPSMobile, University of Hawaii and University of Alaska Fairbanks will carry out preparations for flight testing at Lanai by conducting safety verifications by coordinating with island authorities and adhering to regulations and legislations associated with the business.

Apparently, the parties also aim to conduct a seminars discussing the safety considerations to be followed by community residents along with explaining the vision to utilize HAPS in the future.

Junichi Miyakawa, Representative Director and CTO, SoftBank Corp was reportedly quoted stating that the approval by FAA to facilitate telecommunication connectivity from the stratosphere is a major step towards enhancing the global telecommunication industry. The company will continue to bridge the digital divide worldwide and revolutionarise mobile networks by leveraging HAPS, he further added.

According to reliable sources, along with utilizing the advantages of HAPS, HAPSMobile will also contribute towards environmental conservation and agriculture in several areas in Lanai.

For the uninitiated, HAPSMobile is a subsidiary of Japanese multinational holding company, SoftBank Corp., that designs and operates a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) business focusing on bridging the global digital divide. The company is primarily involved in network equipment research and development for HAPS business, new business planning and activities for spectrum usage.

Source Credits: https://www.hapsmobile.com/en/news/press/2019/20190808_01/