In a joint announcement made at GITEX Global in Dubai, UAVOS, a developer and manufacturer of advanced unmanned systems, and Bayanat, a part of the Abu Dhabi-based G42, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), announced the creation of a joint venture partnership under which the two companies will work on a High-Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) program. The joint HAPS program was established to fast - track the development and adoption of HAPS technology to support high altitude missions. The missions include providing a wide range of applications in Connectivity, Earth observation, Weather, Security & Defence, Neutral Resource and Disaster Emergency management.
As part of the joint HAPS program, the parties plan to conduct flights using UAVOS' ApusDuo autonomous aircraft providing a wide scope of applications for their clients. This strategic partnership is also aimed to deploy the refined high-altitude autonomous aircraft that complements and strengthens the existing UAVOS' ApusDuo high-altitude aircraft architecture to deliver a variety of missions from the stratosphere.
HAPS refers to systems where unmanned aircraft flying in the stratosphere can be operated like telecommunication base stations to deliver connectivity across wide areas. Since HAPS can provide stable telecommunications networks without being affected by situations on the ground, the technology is also expected to help assist rescue and recovery efforts during times of disasters.