File Sharing Drones Are Already A Reality

When we first heard that The Pirate Bay were planning to host the torrent magnet site in the sky via wireless drones, we were more than a little skeptical. As it turns out, the technology is certainly possible. TorrentFreak reports on Project "Electronic Countermeasures", which has built five fully functioning drones capable of node sharing similar to what The Pirate Bay had in mind.

The drones were designed to fly together in formation while broadcasting a WiFi network, enabling users to upload and share files, then disperse when needed to avoid detection or capture. The creators say:

The public can upload files, photos and share data with one another as the drones float above the significant public spaces of the city. The swarm becomes a pirate broadcast network, a mobile infrastructure that passers-by can interact with.

The cost of the drones isn't cheap, though. Each one costs around €1,500 (~$1,985) to build. The drones consist of a 10mm by 10mm aluminium frame which holds the GPS system and wireless modules. They achieve flight thanks to four Roxxy Brushless Motors, and everything is powered by two 2,200mAh batteries.

Right now the group hope to improve the drones, add more to the flock, and increase the range of the wireless signal. Automated battery charge bases are also on the horizon – the drones need power to stay airborne, after all.