uAvionix adn Choctaw Nation: pioneering BVLOS Drone Operations

In a groundbreaking achievement, uAvionix has successfully conducted the first genuine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight in shared airspace utilizing aviation-protected C-Band frequencies within the united States. This milestone took place at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) emerging Aviation Technology Center.

Innovative Command and Control Solutions

As the designated Command and Control Communications Service Provider (C2CSP), uAvionix executed these historic flights in collaboration with the Choctaw Nation, the Federal Aviation Management (FAA), and industry stakeholders. The flights showcased the integration of Command and control (C2) link management with situational awareness for Detect and Avoid (DAA) capabilities,facilitated by the company’s advanced SkyLine software platform.

A Significant Leap for UAS Operations

This flight represents the culmination of years of dedicated efforts involving engineering, operational teams, and regulatory assessments. It marks a pivotal advancement for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operators and enterprises aiming to scale operations in sectors such as medical supply delivery, package logistics, utility inspections, and emergency response.

Regulatory Approvals and Operational Excellence

Recently, uAvionix secured approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and coordinated with the FAA to utilize its airborne and ground radio systems on C-Band frequencies for command and control during BVLOS operations. The SkyLine cloud-based service managed the SkyLink airborne and SkyStation ground radios,ensuring seamless dialog with the aircraft across the expansive and often rugged terrain of the CNO UAS test site,which mirrors conditions faced by businesses in utility inspections and long-distance medical or cargo deliveries.

Advanced communication Systems

The C2CSP system employed for the Super Volo aircraft included the uAvionix muLTELink5060 airborne radio and four SkyLink5060 ground radios strategically positioned throughout the 44,500+ acre UAS test area. The SkyLine system continuously evaluated the communication links between ground stations and the aircraft, optimizing the connection for reliable command and control. When necessary, the system executed proactive make-before-break transitions to switch between available ground stations, while DAA data from terrestrial sensors provided situational awareness to the Remote Pilot in Command.

Expert Insights on the technology

“the SkyLine software is pivotal for link management and DAA services across various frequencies and data inputs, forming the foundation of our FCC and two FAA BVLOS waivers,” stated Paul Beard, Founder and CTO of uAvionix. “It is the only C2CSP service compliant with RTCA DO-377A and DO-362A aviation standards, allowing us to operate without chase vehicles, visual observers, or the need for other aircraft to possess thier own DAA sensors. This is a remarkable feat of engineering and operational excellence by the uAvionix team.”

Collaborative Vision for the Future

James Grimley, Executive Director of the Choctaw Nation Oklahoma Emerging Aviation Technologies Center, remarked, “The foresight, creativity, and technical expertise of uAvionix are evident throughout this landmark operation. Our mission at the test site is to provide value for the CNO by enabling businesses to explore and assess UAS technologies that fulfill their BVLOS operational requirements. With uAvionix, we can showcase a thorough system for C2 and DAA that meets aviation-grade standards, is regulator-approved, easy to implement, self-reliant of third-party communication networks, and infinitely scalable. Together, we have established a technical and operational framework that will enable safe UAS operations for various critical, long-range, and high-altitude missions, ultimately delivering economic and cultural benefits to our communities.”