Facebook looking at buying drone aircraft maker

Social media giant Facebook may be looking at making another major purchase, with reports the company is considering purchasing a drone aircraft maker.

According to a report on TechCrunch, Facebook is looking at launching a $US60 million bid for drone aircraft maker Titan Aerospace.

Titan’s unmanned aircraft are equipped with solar panels, allowing them to continuously remain in flight for up to five years without needing to land.

While neither Titan nor Facebook have confirmed the rumours, it is believed Facebook is primarily interested in Titan’s technology in a bid to launch affordable, low-cost internet services in emerging markets.

On its official webpage, Titan describes its main focus as using drone aircraft in a high orbit – dubbed “atmospheric satellite platforms” by the company – to create high resolution images.

“Titan Aerospace provides persistent solar atmospheric satellite platforms to global customers for easy access to real-time high-resolution images of the earth, voice and data services, and other atmospheric-based sensor systems.

“By designing, building and operating a coordinated imaging solar atmospheric satellite constellation, Titan is empowering commercial and government customers to make more informed, data-driven decisions that will improve the profitability of companies and the welfare of societies around the world.”

The company also highlights the ability of its technology to “park” a drone in a stationary location.

“Titan Aerospace is revolutionizing [sic] near-earth applications for dozens of industries. The ability to park a stationary payload directly above a point is opening dramatic new possibilities and is redefining the landscape.”

“Titan [sic] goal is to create products that not only deliver ground-breaking functional benefit but also deeply inspire us on an emotional level.”

News of Facebook’s interest in drone aircraft comes after online retail giant Amazon announced plans to deliver customer orders using unmanned aircraft in December of last year.