Primoco UAV SE and T-Mobile Czech Republic have verified the possibility of integrating an LTE network BTS base station into the Primoco UAV One 150 unmanned aerial vehicle. The result is an advanced system that allows a substantial reduction in mobile network recovery time in emergency situations, applicable across the EU.
Existing mobile crisis communication solutions for emergencies such as fires, floods and windstorms rely on alternate ground vehicle based systems. However, their deployment may be impossible or too time-consuming in many cases. The integration of a BTS station into the Primoco UAV One 150 with an equipment payload of up to 30 kg overcomes these shortcomings. The aircraft meets all European civil, military and safety regulations and has been approved for operation in almost ten EU countries. Ladislav Semetkovský, CEO of Primoco UAV SE, sees great potential in the cooperation: “Crisis management support is one of our main product lines. Unmanned technologies enable rapid deployment in places where it is needed, and we see many opportunities for similar deployments in the Czech Republic, be it large-scale fires, tornadoes or floods. Co-operation with T-Mobile fits perfectly into this system, as communication in affected areas is one of the key services that must be provided in the event of an emergency. Together with T-Mobile specialists, we integrated a new generation BTS station into our aircraft and verified the capabilities of this solution during a series of multiple hour test flights. The entire system can be deployed anywhere in the European Union, as our aircraft fully complies with European regulations and the BTS payload does not affect the key parameters of its operation and safety.”
Mobile signal coverage using UAVs is often the only way to ensure mobile network operation in affected areas. It is also possible to provide temporary coverage in places where legislation does not allow new construction or densification of base stations: “Our solution, developed together with Primoco UAV, is quite unique in Europe. It can fundamentally help the work of the integrated rescue system and the army has also shown interest in it. But we’re still at the beginning. We have a workable concept, but we need to set up regulation within Europe and we are also starting to discuss synergies with EU governments to finance the operation of this solution,” says Jaroslav Holiš, Research&Development Senior Manager, who is handling the project for Deutsche Telekom at T-Mobile.
The Primoco UAV One 150 carries 8 kilograms of T-Mobile equipment. The equipment is deployed when flying at an altitude of one to two kilometres. The aircraft takes off and lands completely autonomously and testing of the technology was carried out at the Písek – Krašovice airport operated by Primoco UAV SE. Depending on the take-off weight, the UAV can stay in the air for up to 15 hours.
About PRIMOCO UAV SE
Primoco UAV SE develops and produces the One 150 civilian and military unmanned aircraft, capable of flying completely independently according to programmed flight plans. The key features of the aircraft are its size, maximum take-off weight 150 kg, 15 hours endurance, 2000 km range, cruising speed 120 km/h, payload 30 kg and fully automatic take-off and landing. The company focuses on civil and military aerospace applications, particularly in energy, border and coastal security, fire monitoring and search and rescue operations. The company’s aircraft is in operation on four continents. Primoco UAV is a publicly traded company on the Prague Stock Exchange in the PX Prime market.
About T-Mobile Czech Republic, a.s.
T-Mobile is the largest mobile operator in the Czech Republic with more than 6.5 million customers. The operator will cover 90% of the population with its 5G network by the end of 2024 and is also focusing on building and developing fibre infrastructure in the long term. According to Ookla, T-Mobile has the best mobile network. Apart from focusing on end customers, the company also offers services for business partners under the banner of T-Business. As part of responsible business the operator focuses on environmental protection and digital inclusion. More about the company here.