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HAWK30 Takes Flight - AeroVironment Achieves Successful First Test Flight of Next Generation Solar HAPS Unmanned Aircraft System
Successful first test flight takes place less than two years after program start Test program to expand operating envelope with sequentially higher and
About this update from Aerovironment, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\nSuccessful first test flight takes place less than two years after program start\n\n\nTest program to expand operating envelope with sequentially higher and longer flights\n\n\n SIMI VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nAeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV), a global leader in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for both defense and commercial applications, announced the successful first flight of the HAWK30 solar HAPS unmanned aircraft system on September 11, 2019 at the NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California. AeroVironment partnered with SoftBank Corp (TOKYO:9434) to create HAPSMobile Inc., the joint venture funding HAWK30 design development and demonstration.\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190916005306/en/HAWK30 solar HAPS unmanned aircraft system takes flight for the first time at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center in California (Photo: Business Wire)\n\n“The first flight of HAWK30 builds on more than two decades of pioneering HAPS technology development and demonstration by the AeroVironment team, and comes only two years since SoftBank joined us in this endeavor,” said Wahid Nawabi, AeroVironment president and chief executive officer. “We are the pioneer and leader in HAPS, delivering continued progress and demonstrated success. We look forward to achieving even greater success in flight testing, culminating in high-altitude, long-endurance flight demonstrations that will pave the way for the global commercialization of HAPS technology.\n\n\n“We are grateful for the expertise and support from NASA’s outstanding team at the Armstrong Flight Research Center. We are proud to add another milestone to their storied history of aviation innovation,” Nawabi added.\n\n\nDeveloped and assembled in AeroVironment’s HAPS Innovation Center, the HAWK30 has a wingspan of approximately 260 feet and is propelled by 10 electric motors powered by solar panels covering the surface of the wing, resulting in zero emissions. Flying at an altitude of approximately 65,000 feet above sea level and above the clouds, the HAWK30 is designed for continuous, extended missions of up to months without landing.\n\n\nAeroVironment seeks to create value from its unique HAPS intellectual property and capabilities in multiple ways: participating in the anticipated growth of...