Our Take
Facebook is interested in long-loitering unmanned aerial systems as repeaters for wireless internet service. The same platform could have military applications in providing lengthy time on station for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance gathering. A drone that can stay aloft for months at a time could provide continuous overwatch of a forward operating base, an international border or high-value targets. The technology used to power the aircraft for that long could have wider applications in unmanned ground or underwater vehicles, both of which ace challenges of operating at length without resupply.
At the F8 developer conference, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg showed off the drone the company plans to use to provide internet to under developed areas. And they showed off their first satellite, which will launch in a few months. Produced by Matt Stuart. Video courtesy Facebook. Follow TI: On Facebook Join the conversation about this story “
