Month: August 2024

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uAvionix: Pushing the envelope – testing the future of multiple link SATCOM solutions with StarLink

In February 2023, uAvionix began testing the first versions of Starlink’s antennas and connectivity, exploring the possibilities for advanced LEO-satellite-based command and control (C2) communications for small UAS. The Starlink results were encouraging, and we have continued our efforts throughout this past year.

As a leading provider of Command, Navigation, and Surveillance technologies for small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS), we have consistently promoted multi-modal connectivity solutions to support both assured C2 and high-bandwidth payload communications. By integrating various connectivity methods, we provide path and frequency diversity, ensuring reliable operation everywhere.

Today, uAvionix is pleased to highlight a significant step forward in their integration efforts with the successful completion of test flights using Starlink and uAvionix’s muLTElink airborne radio. The integration work continues their commitment to offering the best possible connectivity solutions for small UAS, and the recent flight tests demonstrated unprecedented connectivity for both C2 and payload communications, delivering data rates in the megabits per second with latencies below 100 milliseconds.

This milestone is an extension of our integration with L-band satellite connectivity solutions that have been implemented across various platforms to ensure assured C2 communications. By introducing Starlink to our connectivity suite, we will enhance our capability to provide both assured C2 and high-bandwidth payload communications, such as streaming video or ISR data, back to the operator. This integration further underscores our dedication to multi-modal solutions that combine path and frequency diversity, a principle we have long championed.

The achievement highlights the potential of Starlink to revolutionize UAS C2 communications and payload backhaul solutions, promising a new era of connectivity for uncrewed aerial systems.

Stay tuned for more updates as we delve into the technical details and comparative performance of the varying connectivity options for sUAS communications. This forthcoming analysis will offer deeper insights into the relative strengths and weaknesses of each connectivity type.

7 August 2024

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CHIRP Drone/UAS Feedback Edition 11

Design, Build and Operations

Always Expect the Unexpected

Welcome to Drone FEEDBACK Edition 11. The weather has not been very helpful to Drone flying
since we published Edition 10 in April. We have now passed midsummer day and are hoping for rather more stable conditions for late summer and early autumn. The wind has been somewhat troublesome during this period and showers have resulted in stop-start scenarios with the potential consequences manifesting themselves at the image processing stage, long after the Operator has left the site. All of this results in the potential for Human Factor risks coming from a different direction, when compared to the winter period. If for instance you have to stop for an hour to let rain clouds move on, should you continue your mapping flight on the same set of batteries or change to a full set earlier than your original site planning had anticipated? If so, what are the consequences for capturing the required data in the remainder of the shift?

So, while operational Human Factors can be driven by seasonal aspects, it can also be driven by equipment design aspects. In this edition we note a few instances where there have been Human Factor occurrences that have, at their origin, the design or the manufacturing of the Uncrewed Aircraft System itself, with consequences on piloting the aircraft.

The last point I want to make is that because the use of Drones has increased across a variety of industry sectors, we are always looking for additional members for our Board who have expertise in Operating Drones in the solar, wind turbine (both onshore and offshore), construction, electricity distribution, emergency services and linear-asset inspection sectors. If you are operating in these sectors and would like to contribute to broadening the Human Factors and Just Culture knowledge of Drone users generally, do get in touch. We would welcome your knowledge as we review reports submitted to CHIRP. Email mail@chirp.co.uk for the attention of Rupert Dent, Drone/UAS Programme Manager.


Stay safe and have an enjoyable summer’s flying!

Rupert Dent, Drone/UAS Programme Manager

Contents:

  • * Report to CHIRP!
  • * Comments on previous editions
  • * Get 5% discount at Pooleys Flight
  • * Equipment through CHIRP
  • * I learned About Human Factors From That (ILAHFFT)
  • * DUAS31 – Battery fell out in flight
  • * DUASxx18 – Drone took off with incorrectly fitted rotor arms
  • * DUASxx19 – The Swiss cheese strikes again
  • * DUASxx20 – Always expect the unexpected

Read CHIRP Feedback Edition 11

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NPCC: Drone as First Responder Trials in Norfolk Update

Yesterday was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the Drone as First Responder concept in partnership with Norfolk Constabulary which is leading one of the trials this year to see how this innovative technology can boost operational policing.

A drone in a rooftop box was deployed remotely from a mobile control room in a search for a simulated report of a missing person. The drone arrived at the location in seconds, giving a clear ‘eye in the sky’ view of the scene and supporting in the search.

The imagery is then available for subsequent investigation and the drone initially deployed can team with neighbouring DFR drones to effect handovers when battery levels mean the on-scene drone needs to return to base. At the end of the task, they will return to their boxes and re-charge to prepare for the next deployment.

Superintendent Taryn Evans is strategic lead for the National Police Chiefs’ Council Drones team. She said: “Each trial enables us to test how DFR could work in different environments and support different operational purposes, enhancing both public and officer safety.”

Drones can be used effectively alongside traditional air support to provide a blended response which is fast and can reduce environmental impact.

The Norfolk trial is part of four DFR trials across the country, the first led by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and Thames Valley Police at the Isle of Wight Festival where a simulated DFR capability was deployed alongside the force’s routine police drones resource. This will be replicated in further trials at a range of events throughout the summer.

An additional trial is also in planning with West Midlands Police later in 2024 so watch this space for further news.

Thanks go to the University of East Anglia for providing the ideal location and support for the continuing trials.

“The Norfolk trial is an important showcase of just how effective DFR can be at supporting our response to 999 calls, arriving on scene quickly and giving invaluable ‘eyes in the sky’.

DFR is part of a larger NPCC Drones programme, which is establishing robust governance, standardisation and sharing of expertise across the UK’s wide network of police drone operators. The work to date has focused on improvements to the way the 400 drones already flown by UK police officers are operated within visual line of sight (VLOS). This aims to increase confidence in police drone operations by the regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority, which should in turn facilitate an easier transition to beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and DFR operations in the future.

Read more

National Police Chiefs Council

6 August 2024