Groundbreaking UAS Demonstration Flights in the UK

BT Group, in collaboration with SkyLift, has successfully executed demonstration flights utilizing uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based command adn control (C2) system, leveraging C-Band and LTE communications.

Historic Achievements in UAS Operations

These flights marked two meaningful milestones in the UK’s UAS landscape:

• implementation of command and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) C2 systems via C-Band and LTE using BT’s Drone SIM.
• Prosperous transmission of ADS-B OUT on 978 MHz for detect and avoid (DAA) functionalities.

Enhanced Safety for BVLOS Missions

Operators now benefit from reliable CNPC C2 communications for UAS and electronic Conspicuity (EC) technology, aligning with the UK CAA’s proposed standards for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, ensuring safe integration into airspace.

“The successful operations at Bentwaters Park today signify a crucial step towards scaling BVLOS operations to fulfill business goals,” stated Toby Moores, CEO of SkyLift.

“Utilizing SkyLine alongside BT’s Drone SIM and aviation C-Band for Command and Control, combined with ADS-B OUT for Electronic Conspicuity, allowed our operators to maintain continuous and assured control of the aircraft, providing exceptional situational awareness throughout the flights.The technology was seamlessly integrated into our aircraft and ground control system, enabling rapid deployment for businesses aiming for scalable BVLOS operations.”

Operational details and Infrastructure

The SkyLift team conducted its fixed-wing UAS operations from Bentwaters Park, a former royal Air Force/USAF airfield located two hours from london, employing their SkyFleet Ground Control System. Nearby Adastral Park, the hub of BT Group’s innovation labs, hosted a fixed remote ground radio station (GRS) approximately 12 kilometers southwest. The area is equipped with multiple BT LTE towers, and two mobile GRS with LTE backhaul connectivity were also utilized.

“At Etc., the incubation team within BT group’s Digital unit, we are dedicated to positioning the UK as a frontrunner in commercial drone operations. Achieving these two milestones in a single afternoon is remarkable and showcases our ability to swiftly integrate and deploy technology for BVLOS missions,” remarked Ed Hunter, Senior Product Manager – Drones at Etc. “Partnering with SkyLift and uAvionix combined two cloud-based systems powered by EE’s advanced LTE connectivity and a specialized Drone SIM, currently being trialed across the UK to provide ultra-reliable communications applicable to various industries, from drone-assisted medical deliveries to power line inspections and search and rescue operations.”

flight Verification and Technology Integration

Three flights were conducted to independently validate the BT Drone SIM connection and the uAvionix aviation C-Band data links. The final flight showcased the optimized integration of both the BT drone SIM and aviation C-band data links for fully operational CNPC C2.

Effective link management and make-before-break connections between the two data links were accomplished using the uAvionix SkyLine UAS BVLOS cloud-based service and hardware, including a SkyStation5060POE GRS, two SkyStation5060LTE mobile GRS, a muLTElink5060 airborne radio system with the BT Drone SIM, and a uAvionix truFYX GPS installed on the aircraft. The flight also demonstrated the use of ADS-B OUT transmission from the aircraft on 978 MHz for Electronic Conspicuity, facilitated by a uAvionix microUAT device.

Regulatory Support and Future Prospects

Callum Holland, Conversion Lead for Future safety & Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, commented, “The CAA is committed to fostering the adoption of new technologies and standards to enable the broader integration of RPAS into UK airspace. We are proud to have supported the UK’s first RPAS integration of ADS-B Out, operating on 978MHz, alongside a Command Link functioning simultaneously over 4G LTE and in the C-Band protected aviation spectrum. This demonstration underscores our commitment to realizing the Electronic Conspicuity vision outlined in the Airspace Modernisation Strategy and facilitating the adoption of high-assurance data links for RPAS command and control.”

BT Group and uAvionix are at the forefront of developing and implementing dialog networks for the command, navigation, and surveillance of UAS in the UK. Their successful collaboration at Bentwaters Park paves the way for expanding infrastructure across the nation, accommodating a growing number of operators.