Thales FlytLINK Connectivity Demonstrator Streams from Stratosphere on Perlan 2 Historic High-Altitude Research Glider

The Thales FlytLINK™ Connectivity Demonstrator recently took aircraft connectivity to record-breaking heights by streaming real-time video footage from over 60,000 feet aboard the Perlan Mission 2 glider.

The US-based Airbus Perlan Mission II initiative, led by Nevada-based atmospheric research non-profit The Perlan Project, began its fifth experimental flight campaign in early August at Comandante Armando Tola International Airport in El Calafate, Argentina. The Thales FlytLINKTM Connectivity Demonstrator was installed on the Perlan 2 glider and video cameras aboard the aircraft provided video for the Virtual Cockpit livestream. 

Developed by Thales Flight Avionics Connectivity team in the UK and US, the Thales FlytLINK™ Connectivity Demonstrator completed beta testing in the US earlier this year before undergoing final tests in Patagonia. With Perlan reaching 60,300 feet, it becomes the world’s highest-ever Wi-Fi hotspot on an aircraft.

Building on more than 30 years’ experience in satellite communications, Thales FlytLINK™ Connectivity Demonstrator showcased the seamless, reliable connectivity capabilities of the new Thales FlytLINK™ portfolio, which offers world-class airborne satellite communications equipment, airtime connectivity plans, and services for a vast range of crewed and uncrewed aircraft.