Facebook may soon acquire Texas-based drone maker Titan Aerospace, to bring connectivity in remote areas through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
According to a report by Techcrunch, the deal is worth $ 60 million. The report said that Facebook plans to launch 11,000 drones to provide internet connectivity to around 5 billion people, starting with Africa, which currently has no internet access. The acquisition is reportedly Facebook's commitment as part of Internet.org, a consortium of organizations that aim to provide affordable internet access to the remotest areas of the globe.
The report further stated that Titan's drone models Salora 50 and 60 can fly at an altitude of 20 km above sea level and remain there for as long as five years without requiring refueling. These solar-powered UAVs store solar energy in batteries for use at night while the solar panels on the body power them during the day.
Facebook is said to be particularly interested in the Salora 60 model which was showcased during international conference of Association of Unmanned Systems last August, reported CNET. The Salora 60 can carry up to 250 pounds payload and fly at an altitude of 65,000 feet.
Reporting on the drones' physical dimensions, Business Insider Australia mentioned that the drones can cruise at speeds of up to 64 mph and have a mission range of 4 million kilometers or 2.5 million miles. Insider also said that the smaller Salora 50 can carry a payload of 70 pounds and measures 50 meters in length. The drones are reportedly the first of near-earth satellites powered by solar energy.
Techcrunch added thatTitan Aerospace has R&D facilities in New Mexico and is led by its current CEO Vern Raburn.
The Internet.org is touted as a direct competition to Google's "Project Loon" which seeks to use balloons to improve internet availability.
