Autonomous UAVOS pseudo-satellite makes successful test flights

Developed by Silicon Valley-based UAVOS, the High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) ApusDuo features dual parallel wings covered in solar panels, with the wings connected by three struts. The 10m wings on the current prototype can be controlled by on-board algorithms, bending to take advantage of weather conditions and deal with turbulence. According to UAVOS, the airframe of the vehicle is made of materials based on carbon fibres and is designed for long-term continuous operation. The final version of the aircraft will be much bigger than the current aircraft, boasting a wingspan of 28m.

With the ability to stay airborne for extended periods of time, HAPS is being developed with both civilian and defence capabilities in mind. UAVOS says the pseudo-satellite can create a network of autonomous repeaters of radio and high-speed data signals over practically any territory. This includes northern latitudes in the summer months, where conventional aircraft are not well suited and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites are limited in their scope of operation.