Viasat Showcases VelarisTM Connectivity for Uncrewed Aerial vehicles (UAVs)
Viasat has recently highlighted the capabilities of its VelarisTM connectivity solution tailored for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) during a power utilities evaluation. This initiative utilized a compact terminal developed in partnership wiht Gotonomi, a provider of UAV connectivity platforms.
Assessing powerlines can be particularly challenging due to their extensive reach across remote areas and the towering pylons that can rise between 80 to 200 feet. UAVs present numerous advantages over conventional inspection methods, including quicker response times and unique aerial perspectives.
Integrating satellite interaction technology streamlines the necessary communication framework, enabling uavs to be operated remotely from a command center while facilitating real-time streaming of extensive data and insights.
### Long-Range Demonstration and Collaboration
The extensive demonstration, orchestrated by ARA Robotics, featured two ARA-405 UAVs equipped with cutting-edge sensors and conducted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations from a distance of 11 kilometers. One drone functioned as a relay for Industrial, scientific, and Medical (ISM) radio for Command and Control (C2) and video, while the other served as the primary UAV for BVLOS tasks, carrying a video camera, sensors, and the Satcom payload.This project was executed in partnership with the National Research Council of Canada, which possesses specialized expertise and facilities for research and progress in advanced air mobility. Funding was provided through the Innovative Solutions Canada program.
### Enhanced Communication Reliability
The ARA-405 is outfitted with the Gotonomi Velaris SATCOM module,a lightweight unit weighing just 300 grams (0.6 lbs), which offers a secondary command and control link. This redundancy allows the UAV to switch between SATCOM and line-of-sight ISM band radio frequency if one link experiences degradation, ensuring a robust and reliable communication network that keeps operators in constant control of the UAV.
The demonstration occurred at the UAS Centre of Excellence (Centre d’excellence sur les drones – CED) in Alma, Quebec, Canada. This dedicated UAV testing environment operates in conjunction with the local airport’s air traffic control, given its location within controlled airspace. the outcomes of this demonstration are expected to shape future methodologies for assessing power utility infrastructure in remote areas, including the collection of high-definition video and sensor data for inspection purposes.### Expert Insights on the Demonstration
Guillaume Charland-Arcand, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of ARA robotics, remarked, “The collaboration with Viasat and Gotonomi was crucial in providing the Velaris satcom module, which perfectly matched the size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements for the ARA-405. The integration process was seamless, and we received outstanding technical support when needed. The module’s performance was validated during flight,consistently meeting specifications. Throughout the flights,the communication system transitioned effortlessly to the Viasat network,ensuring we maintained command and control over the UAVs. Without this product, the long-range demonstration would not have been feasible.”
Anthony Spouncer, Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility at Viasat, added, “We were thrilled to support the flight demonstrations and confirm the reliability of our satcom technology in real-world scenarios. The new Velaris terminal ensured command and control connectivity at various points during the flights, especially when the primary 2.4GHz ISM communication link was interrupted, allowing operations to revert to the onboard satcom for communication needs. Demonstrations like this underscore the advantages that satcom technology offers for BVLOS operations in rural settings, and we are eager to collaborate with partners on similar initiatives in the future.”
roderick Van Den Bergh, Operations Manager at Gotonomi, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “we are excited to see Gotonomi’s platform enabling BVLOS operations for drone operators. This demonstration showcases how our technology can enhance the ecosystem by developing new capabilities,including command and control for safety,telemetry,data services,and voice and video streaming.”
