Airbus proves Zephyr’s connectivity capabilities
Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) achieves connectivity in trial. (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus, with NTT DOCOMO, has demonstrated the stability between the Zephyr S HAPS and the ground antenna for communication purposes.
Airbus and NTT DOCOMO have successfully demonstrated the solar-powered Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station’s (HAPS) ability to deliver future wireless broadband connectivity.
The trial took place in August when the Zephyr S undertook approximately 18-day stratospheric flights to test various capabilities.
Zephyr S provided an agile datalink during a stratospheric test with its onboard radio transmitter to simulate future direct-to-device connectivity.
Tests included various bandwidths to simulate direct-to-device services from the HAPS to end users using low, nominal and high throughput.
It aimed to examine how it was affected by factors such as weather conditions, differences in reception distance and the flight patterns of the HPAS aircraft.
The demonstration confirmed the ability and versatility of the 2GHZ spectrum for HAPS-based services and also the use of a narrow 450 MGX band to provide connectivity in a range of up to 140km.
Based on the results, Airbus and NTT DOCOMO aims to provide communication services to mountainous areas, remote islands and maritime areas where radio waves are difficult to reach.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability]()
US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability
The full rate production decision is scheduled for first-half 2025 and this will authorise the US Navy (USN) to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with InfraRed Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II.
-
![USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield]()
USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
-
![Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme]()
Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme
The two-year contract on the A321 militarised maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) will look to risk-assess the programme ahead of its development phase in 2026.
-
![Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth]()
Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth
Lockeed Martin’s aeronautics sector saw $20 billion in orders, driven by its Lot 18 F-35 and US fiscal year F-35 sustainment contract wins.
-
![Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria]()
Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
-
![UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets]()
UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony on the 29 January and will stay at Dassault’s Flight Test Centre, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
