Solution fuses multiple datalinks into a single managed safety service for UAV operators
CARLSBAD, Calif., Bigfork, MT, April 23, 2024 – Viasat, Inc., a global leader in satellite communications, today announce collaboration with uAvionix, a pioneer in the development of certified avionics for crewed and uncrewed aviation. uAvionix will join Viasat’s Velaris Partner Network.
Following a strategic alliance agreement between the companies to develop products and services for the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) market, uAvionix has begun integrating Viasat’s Velaris module into its compact muLTElink airborne radio system. Powered by Viasat’s global L-band network, Velaris provides secure, resilient, L-band, communications for commercial UAVs. Velaris enables real-time monitoring for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAV operations, with seamless integration into commercial airspace.
uAvionix’s system combines C-band, LTE, ISM and Viasat L-band, and carefully monitors and manages each data link using a DO-377A Link Executive Manager (LEM) while automatically registering aircraft with uAvionix’s SkyLine Cloud Managed BVLOS service.
SkyLine is the first cloud-based command and control network that combines fleet management, network health monitoring, detect & avoid, and seamless make-before-break roaming between multiple radio networks and ground stations and is purpose built to enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) safety cases.
During system integration testing in 2023, uAvionix configured and integrated a Velaris development terminal with its SkyLine system and established a “very stable streaming connection” in a matter of just days.
Cyriel Kronenburg, VP Aviation Networks at uAvionix said: “uAvionix successfully flew with Velaris connectivity in northern Montana. Notably, where the LTE radio had good performance on the ground before take-off, and the SkyLink C-band ISM radios had good performance while in our area of operations, the satcom let us close the gap by providing phenomenal performance with a very stable streaming connection while enroute from the airport to our deployed SkyStations. It’s a huge testament to the ease of use of satcom and how supportive the Viasat team has been.”
Joel Klooster, SVP, Flight Safety and AAM at Viasat, said: “uAvionix is a highly respected and innovative avionics and software company. This partnership formalizes a number of initiatives and programs the two companies are collaborating on, and we look forward to future projects. uAvionix has a proven track record of developing cutting-edge technology for the aviation industry, and our combined expertise will lead to even more advancements in the field.”
# # #
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Contact for media: PR@viasat.com
About uAvionix
uAvionix is a leading provider of advanced avionics solutions that are lightweight, compact, and designed to meet the needs of crewed and uncrewed aviation across the globe. Committed to safety, efficiency, and innovation, uAvionix empowers aviators with the latest technology, systems, and data to achieve their mission in flight.
To learn more about uAvionix crewed and uncrewed products and services, please visit: www.uavionix.com
Follow uAvionix on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube
Contact for media: squawk@uAvionix.com