Revolutionizing UAV Command and Control with Iridium Certus

In a meaningful advancement for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations,SKYTRAC has joined forces with Embention,a leading autopilot technology provider,to create innovative command and control (C2) solutions that leverage the Iridium Certus satellite dialog service.

Integrating Cutting-Edge Technology

The collaboration will see the integration of SKYTRAC’s advanced Integrated Mission System (IMS-350) and the midband Data Link system (DLS-100) as the pioneering Iridium Certus terminals to work seamlessly with UAV autopilot systems. This integration will facilitate efficient data exchange between ground control stations (GCS) and the UAVs themselves.

Enhanced Autopilot Capabilities

Central to this integration is Embention’s Veronte Autopilot 4x, a robust and reliable control system designed specifically for critical unmanned operations. This system is engineered to eliminate single points of failure, ensuring high reliability. Its compact design allows compatibility with various UAV configurations, making it a versatile choice for operators.

Real-Time Communication for BVLOS Operations

By harnessing the power of the Iridium satellite network, SKYTRAC’s IMS-350 and DLS-100 will provide Embention with real-time command and control capabilities through a low-latency communication link, essential for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight operations.

Industry Insights and Future Prospects

Jeff Sherwood, SKYTRAC’s Director of Business Growth, noted the growing demand among operators for effective autopilot solutions that can utilize the Iridium NEXT constellation. He emphasized that many operators and systems integrators have struggled to harness the bandwidth of Iridium Certus for C2 functionalities. “Our collaboration with Embention addresses a critical gap in the rapidly evolving UAV market,” he stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Javier Espuch, Business development Manager at embention, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with SKYTRAC, a recognized leader in satellite communications. “This collaboration will accelerate the adoption of Iridium Certus within the UAV sector,positioning us at the forefront of innovation and enabling operators to fully utilize these advanced C2 capabilities,” he remarked.