Facebook's Drone Ready To Hit The Skies

On Thursday,

that it was one step closer to providing everyone in the world with an internet connection. The company has been working on a drone project that will eventually be used to offer internet connections to those living in remote corners of the globe where the internet isn't an option.

The company said its drone, called Aquila, has been completely built and will be ready for test flights later this year. Aquila has the wingspan of a Boeing 737 and weighs in at 880 pounds. It is designed to fly at ultra-high altitudes in order to avoid weather issues and stay out of commercial airplane flightpaths.

Aquila won't be available for sale; instead Facebook plans to launch the drone as part of an effort to expand internet connectivity across the globe. The aircraft can stay in the air for up to 90 days and will fly in circles with a 2 mile radius while beaming down an internet connection in a certain location.

Aquila is set to test later this year in the US, something Facebook execs say shouldn't create any regulatory problems. However, Aquila will be the first commercial drone to fly at such high altitudes, making it a risky endeavor. To help minimize risks during testing, those working on Aquila have been collaborating with lawmakers to ensure the flight guidelines are safe.