Integration of a network of HALE Platforms with the UMTS System

In this paper we consider several issues regarding the use of stratospheric, solar powered, unmanned aerial vehicles as mobile communications base stations. The major potential of such High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platforms for telecommunication applications is that they represent a cost-effective solution for the coverage of low user density, impervious or sea regions. Moreover, they can be moved on demand, making them suitable to be used in emergency situations. Within this framework, we present a feasibility study of the use of a HALE platform, named HELIPLAT, as a UMTS base station. In particular, we examine the possible coverage and the system power dynamics, considering the constraints imposed by the UMTS standard and the power consumption and weight limitations imposed on the payload by the platform technology.