Deep Tech

Developing a low SWaP-C satellite communications terminal for UAVs with Viasat

Client

Viasat

Industries

Deep Tech, Satellite

Context:

In order to scale, the UAV industry needs to be able to perform beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in regulated airspace. This requires a low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) “always-on” safety communications solution. This identification, position and tracking enables command and control, a key demand from aviation regulators. Additional services such as platform health status information and video streaming are also supported.

Solution:

TTP developed a range of compact, lightweight satellite communications terminals for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This includes the innovative V200 integrated device which weighs just 430g and features an omnidirectional antenna, eliminating the need for any pointing. The terminal leverages Viasat’s global Velaris network to provide data rates up to 200kbps with unrivalled global availability, all while maintaining low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C).

Result:

Successful flight trials have demonstrated the terminal’s ability to maintain reliable connectivity, even when primary terrestrial communications fail. This breakthrough represents a powerful tool for the UAV industry that will help towards regulatory approval for BVLOS operations, potentially revolutionizing UAV applications in cargo, inspection, air-taxis and search and rescue. TTP has made the integrated V200 terminal, and other variants, available for purchase through new UAV communications brand, Gotonomi.

Over the next 8-10 years, we expect the presence of uncrewed vehicles in mixed airspace to outgrow that of commercial air transport. Leveraging TTP’s expertise, our new UAV terminals are designed to offer scalable and robust multi-link communications that are less reliant on existing infrastructure. This advancement supports the digital ecosystem and will significantly contribute to the modernisation of air traffic programmes.

Anthony Spouncer

Viasat’s Senior Director of AAM

The V200 integrated satellite terminal for UAVs weighs just 430g

Rapid Development and Innovative Approaches

With support from decade-long partner Viasat, and funding from the European Space Agency (ESA) part of the ground-breaking Iris air traffic modernisation programme, TTP was able to deliver the new terminal at pace.

TTP had previously developed a suitable modem for Viasat. For this project, that technology was updated and combined with our satellite terminal reference design to produce a highly integrated, miniaturised design. A terminal variant with a lightweight, low-power edge processor module capable of performing on-device processing was also developed.

The antenna represented a key challenge, and an omnidirectional antenna was developed that can radiate and receive satellite signals from multiple directions, eliminating the need for pointing, simplifying installation and ease of use for mobile platforms. However, Viasat is in the process of upgrading its network, so the antenna had to be designed to work with the existing network setup as well as the upgraded network. This created a solution that worked immediately, but is also equipped for a performance boost in the future.

TTP integrated all of this into a small, plug-and-play unit – the V200 – weighing just 430g, packaged with airtime through a similar system to mobile phone contracts. Modules and antenna are available separately, to maximise mounting options where weight distribution is crucial. Finally, the module version with edge processing also has LTE communications for hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity. The full specifications for all of the variants available, see table below.

The Multi-link hybrid module includes both satellite and cellular (LTE) connectivity. It also has edge compute, making it ideal for applications like streaming video

To facilitate rapid adoption, the Gotonomi brand was established for module supply and the design made licensable for selected partners. Ongoing flight trials with various UAV platforms continue to prove the technology’s versatility and reliability.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, TTP and Viasat aim to foster cooperation between UAV companies and regulators while developing complementary technologies like detect and avoid systems. The goal is to enable wide-scale adoption of UAVs across whole industries, propelling the sector towards a future of safe, efficient operations in shared airspace.

Interested in a V200 terminal for your UAV operations? Visit Gotonomi to learn more and make an enquiry.