Aerospace Industry Update

Facebook is reportedly in talks with drone maker Titan Aerospace in what would be a landmark $60 million deal for the internet giant.

The purpose of this potential purchase is Titan’s high-flying solar-powered drones would give Facebook the ability to beam wireless internet access to consumers in undeveloped parts of the world.

Currently Facebook has 1.2 billion monthly users, these drones would give them access to billions of more people in places without wireless internet access. By providing free wireless internet, Facebook would ensure that its social network is among the basic services used by people in developing economies.

Titan is developing what they call “atmospheric satellites,” with initial commercial operations slated to begin in 2015. The drones, which fly at an altitude of 65,000 feet, can remain flying for up to five years. They have a wingspan that is slightly shorter than a Boeing 777.

According to the same TechCrunch report that first broke the story of a potential acquisition, Facebook is interested in having 11,000 of the Solera 60 model drones built for this project. At 60,000 feet these drones are capable of a variety of functions, including: communications, data transfer, optical applications and weather sensing.

This would be an interesting deal if it were to happen, as well as Facebook’s first venture into the Aerospace Industry. Google has already announced Project Loon, which will use solar-powered air balloons to beam the internet to remote regions.

–          Summarized from an article in the Globe and Mail, to view full article click here