SoftBank Corp.’s Improved Solar-powered HAPS Aircraft Completes Stratospheric Flight - SoftBank News. Bringing IT closer to home.

SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) is actively conducting research and development for its HAPS business to help bridge the digital divide and provide emergency communications during disasters. After first its HAPS business in 2017, SoftBank has since pioneered the industry in field trials, standardization activities and a wide range of other initiatives to realize HAPS-based services that provide high-quality connectivity in hard-to-reach areas. One key area of focus is aircraft platform development, and SoftBank has been working with its long-time partner AeroVironment to develop “Sunglider,” a large-scale HAPS aircraft with a wingspan of 78m.

What’s the significance of the large size? Sunglider’s specifications allow it to carry payloads of up to 75kg. This ability to carry large communication payloads, which act as airborne base stations in the sky, means it can deliver stable, high-speed and robust high-capacity mobile connectivity from the stratosphere.

In early August 2024, another significant milestone was achieved in Sunglider’s development.

Structural and functional enhancements confirmed

Sunglider rolled out of a hangar located in New Mexico, USA

At a field trial conducted by AeroVironment and the US Department of Defense in New Mexico, USA, Sunglider succeeded in achieving stratospheric flight. While this was not Sunglider’s first time to reach the stratosphere, the aircraft used in this trial was an improved version that incorporated structural and functional enhancements to enable performance that was greatly improved compared to the previous one.

Sunglider takes off from the runway

In addition to supporting the US Department of Defense’s requirements, the field trial gave SoftBank an opportunity to gain insights for future aircraft development. SoftBank verified performance enhancements in the latest Sunglider aircraft, and trial data will be used to make further improvements going forward.

Commenting on the milestone achievement, SoftBank’s President & CEO, Junichi Miyakawa, said he was extremely pleased to confirm Sunglider's enormous potential. “Going forward, we'll continue to challenge ourselves to achieve further performance enhancements, and realize long-duration flights and optical wireless communications for HAPS,” he said.