High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) come in various forms, each tailored to specific applications. Fixed-wing aircraft, high-altitude balloons, and airship form factors are the major types of diverse platforms being developed and deployed. These platforms offer flexibility in terms of coverage, altitude, and payload capacity, allowing them to address a wide range of communication needs—from providing internet access to delivering disaster relief communications. Below we examine the different types of HAPS.
Fixed-Wing HAPS:
Fixed-wing HAPS are uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to operate at high altitudes for extended periods. These aircraft operate closer in operation to traditional airplanes but are optimized for endurance and efficiency rather than speed. The main advantage of fixed-wing HAPS is maneuverability and their ability to station keep in stronger wind conditions. While development is currently underway into the utilization of green hydrogen as a fuel to power fixed-wing HAPS, they generally rely on solar power for sustained flight, using photovoltaic panels to generate electricity during the day and store it in batteries for nighttime operations. The use of hydrogen power enables a significant increase in power available for the HAPS and its payload, removes the daylight restriction and the reliance on batteries and enables unrestricted geographical operation. Fixed wing HAPS’ aerodynamic design enables efficient cruising at high altitudes, where they can loiter for weeks or even months, providing continuous coverage of a specific area or performing specific tasks.
Airship Form Factor HAPS:
Airship form factor-based HAPS utilize lighter-than-air technology to remain aloft at high altitudes. These vehicles consist of a large envelope filled with a lifting gas such as helium, which enables them to float in the upper atmosphere. Airship form factor HAPS are characterized by their ability to carry heavy payloads and provide long-duration flight capabilities. They are often equipped with various sensors, cameras, and communication equipment for applications such as surveillance, border monitoring, and telecommunications relay. Airship form factors have the advantage of being able to hover in a stationary position, making them ideal for tasks that require persistent observation or coverage of a specific area for extended periods.
Balloon HAPS:
Balloon-based HAPS are similar to airships but rely solely on buoyancy to remain airborne. These vehicles consist of a large, helium or hydrogen-filled balloon. Balloon HAPS are relatively simple to deploy and cost-effective compared to other types, and can carry heavier payloads, making them suitable for a range of applications including telecommunications, environmental monitoring, defense and disaster response. Balloon HAPS can persist in a designated area for weeks or months at a time. They can be deployed quickly and operated with minimal infrastructure, making them a versatile option for various missions requiring elevated perspectives or access to remote locations.
Each type of HAPS offers unique advantages and capabilities, allowing them to complement each other in providing persistent aerial coverage and support for a wide range of civilian-, scientific- and defense-based applications.
Discover more about HAPS from the HAPS Alliance overview deck here. By joining the HAPS Alliance, you’ll access essential research, resources, and support to thrive in the evolving field of stratospheric telecommunications. We welcome all companies interested in the HAPS ecosystem to become HAPS Alliance members. Our membership levels—Principal, General, and Supporter—are open to organizations across all industry sectors. Principal and General members can participate in various initiatives, including working groups, member-only meetings, and collaborations with other members on technology components and use cases to enable a smarter world.