A group of UK companies have trialled an airborne 5G system that can provide internet coverage on the ground from an overhead aircraft.

Cambridge-based Stratospheric Platforms Limited (SPL) is leading the design of the new technology with demonstration flights provided by manufacturer Britten-Norman.

SPL said the technology could offer numerous valuable applications, such as quickly restoring networks after major disasters including earthquakes or tsunamis, where traditional mobile network infrastructure has been disrupted.

A trial was conducted last week by Britten-Norman’s Flight Test Organisation that aimed to demonstrate the aircraft’s capability to operate safely with a large 5G phased array antenna installed. The trial tested aircraft performance and handling in both normal and emergency operation as part of efforts to support full certification of the system.

The team chose Britten-Norman’s turboprop BN2T-4S Islander aircraft for its robust design, all-weather capability, endurance...