SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Defence and engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has unveiled ambitious plans to develop its own High-Altitude Platform (HAP), a revolutionary technology capable of staying airborne for a staggering 12 months using solar power.
This announcement marks a significant step forward in India’s quest for indigenous aerospace solutions and holds immense potential for various applications across diverse sectors.
Key Features and Capabilities:
- Solar-powered endurance: L&T’s HAP boasts the ability to remain airborne for a full year, powered entirely by solar panels that recharge its onboard batteries. This eliminates the need for frequent refuelling, significantly reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
- Advanced technology: L&T claims to have developed state-of-the-art hardware and software design, focusing on drastic power and weight reduction, custom ASIC design, and advanced network processing units. These advancements contribute to the platform’s remarkable endurance and efficiency.
- Low-cost connectivity: L&T envisions its HAP as a game-changer for rural connectivity, providing low-cost mass internet access to remote areas with a 10Gbps base station. This could bridge the digital divide and empower communities with access to information, education, and essential services.
- Diverse applications: Beyond connectivity, the HAP has a wide range of potential applications. These include:
- Border surveillance and security: Monitoring borders for potential threats like piracy, smuggling, and illegal immigration.
- Search and rescue operations: Providing crucial aerial support for locating and assisting individuals in distress.
- Emergency communication: Enabling communication in disaster-affected areas where traditional infrastructure is damaged.
- Environmental monitoring: Tracking pollution levels and environmental changes over vast areas.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is a Third company in India that is working on HAPS Platforms. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in partnership with a Bengaluru-based startup, NewSpace Research, is developing HAPS Infinity as part of the HAL CATS (Combined Air Teaming System). National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) also is developing HAPS for Civilian usage.
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