Flying Aquila: Early lessons from the first full-scale test flight and the path ahead

What this post added

This post details the first full-scale test flight of Aquila, a solar-powered aircraft designed to provide broadband internet access to underserved regions. It covers early lessons learned from the test flight, including the novel takeoff procedure without landing gear, verification of aerodynamic and power performance models against predictions, and the successful performance of the autopilot system at low altitude. The post also highlights the collection of data on structural viability and response to real-world conditions, including a structural failure just before landing, which will inform future development and testing phases.