Wingbits Explained for Dummies
One of the hottest flight tracking DePIN projects explained in simple terms
The Flight Tracking Industry is Broken
Aviation tracking is one of the most critical yet overlooked components of the industry. The aviation sector is worth billions, and a huge part of it depends on reliable, real-time data.
From emergency rescues to fleet management, real-time aircraft tracking is essential.
The current system depends on ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) technology. Every aircraft is equipped with an ADS-B transponder that continuously broadcasts its position, altitude, speed, and other flight data.
These signals are received by ground-based ADS-B antennas.
It’s likely that you’ve tried using flight tracking at least once. The ADS-B receivers that make this possible are set up globally, driving the data for flight tracking platforms.
However, most of these receivers are operated by volunteers and aviation enthusiasts.
Around 35,000 individuals worldwide have set up ADS-B receivers. These individuals pay for the hardware, install it, and share data - all for free. Sometimes they receive a free subscription to these platforms but even then, thats about it.
Meanwhile, flight tracking platforms take this freely contributed data, package it, and sell it to businesses, while the volunteers receive nothing in return.
Introducing Wingbits
Wingbits is revolutionizing aviation tracking with a decentralized, global network where everyday individuals get rewarded for tracking aircraft.
Using the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) model, Wingbits creates a more accurate, incentivized, and distributed flight tracking system.
This model ensures that operators earn tokens for sharing data, while businesses pay for accurate tracking information—creating a fairer and more transparent ecosystem.
How Wingbits Works
Anyone can participate in Wingbits by purchasing a Wingbits miner - a specialized ADS-B receiver designed for enhanced data security and accuracy.
Placing the miner on a tall building with an unobstructed view allows it to capture aircraft signals efficiently.
Here’s what makes Wingbits different:
Advanced cryptographic proof-of-location ensures that all shared data is authentic and prevents spoofing.
A buy-and-burn mechanism uses revenue to purchase and burn $WING tokens, maintaining long-term token demand.
Fair reward distribution based on key performance factors:
Contribution in a specific coverage area (H3 hex at Res 3)
Uptime (how long the miner is active)
Performance and early participant bonuses
This system ensures optimal global coverage while rewarding those who provide the most valuable data.
Why Wingbits is Better
Most traditional ADS-B receivers are concentrated in cities, leading to uneven and unreliable coverage. Wingbits distributes its network using a structured hex model, significantly improving coverage in rural and underserved areas.
Additionally, existing flight tracking platforms struggle with spoofed data, which can lead to inaccurate or manipulated tracking information.
Wingbits’ cryptographic proof-of-location feature prevents data manipulation, ensuring a more trustworthy and secure network.
Rapid Growth and Strong Momentum
In just over a year, Wingbits has already deployed 2,100 live antennas, with another 2,000 devices still in pre-order. And this is just the beginning—Wingbits is still in beta, with its mainnet launch coming soon.
With a typical ADS-B antenna covering 200+ nautical miles, a network of 7,000+ Wingbits miners could provide truly global aviation tracking coverage.
Our Thoughts
The aviation tracking industry is worth hundreds of millions, with immense potential for analytics, prediction, and optimization.
Yet, for too long, it has relied on volunteers who receive nothing in return.
Wingbits changes this by ensuring that operators get rewarded while businesses receive more accurate and reliable flight data—a win-win for both sides.
As the decentralized infrastructure movement grows, Wingbits stands as a powerful example of how DePIN can revolutionize traditional industries, making them more efficient, fair, and profitable for all participants.
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