This mission showcased how drone swarms can communicate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) using a network that includes:
Drone swarm: A group of drones working together.
Satellite communication (SatCom): A method for transmitting data via satellites.
Remote ground control station (GCS): The location from which the drone swarm is controlled.
Mission Details
Location: Ladakh, India (at an altitude of 4200 meters).
Control Center: NRT HQ in Bengaluru, India (more than 3000 km away).
Communication: Seamless communication throughout the mission, including real-time data (telemetry) and information from the drone’s sensors (payload data).
Latency: The network experienced minimal delays.
Benefits of BVLOS Connectivity
Remote Operations: This technology allows for drone swarm operations beyond the visual range of the operator.
Improved Mission Resilience: BVLOS connectivity enables drone missions to continue even in situations where communication might be disrupted.
Contested Environments: Drone swarms can operate in areas where traditional communication methods might be unreliable.
Multiple Users: Several users in different locations can benefit from this technology.
Faster Response Times: Encrypted satellite communication links can significantly reduce the time it takes to react to a situation (OODA loop closure).
Overall Impact
This mission demonstrates the potential of BVLOS connectivity for drone swarms, supporting NRT’s Next Generation Missions & Technologies (NGMT) initiative.
Discover more from sUAS News – The Business of Drones
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.