Angel Technologies and Raytheon are ready to demonstrate to prospective customers the High Altitude Long Operation (HALO) communications network, which uses the Rutan-designed Proteus stratospheric aircraft.
The first demonstration was scheduled for 24 August in Hollywood, to show the entertainment industry the system's potential to deliver high-speed, two-way internet and multimedia services to major cities.
The demonstrations follow tests over Mojave, California, involving the prototype Proteus carrying a Raytheon-supplied broadband payload. As the two-crew aircraft orbited above 45,000ft (13,700m), the payload switched between four channels in two stablised antenna beams directed at two portable ground stations. Tests show the viability of providing wireless broadband links at speeds of 51.8Mbits/s, says St Louis, Missouri-based Angel.
The two companies plan to begin limited commercial service next year. Three aircraft will be required in each market served, flying 8h shifts to provide 24h communications coverage. Aircraft will be built by Precision Castparts.
Source: Flight International
