UAVs
Complete technology solutions for autonomous flight beyond visual line of sight (BVLoS).
Scalable, safe and regulation-compliant UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) require solutions that align multiple pieces of the drone technology puzzle. We leverage our expertise in communications, sensors and artificial intelligence, and our experience in the aeronautical sector to offer end-to-end technology development services for UAV vendors and drone operators.
Ready for take off? Towards mass market growth for uncrewed aviation
We work to bring the next generation of autonomous technology to industries from unmanned aerial vehicles to advanced air mobility platforms.
Commercial drones and the business models they enable, will truly take off when fleets of UAVs can operate autonomously in shared airspace.
Safe autonomy promises a proliferation of airborne vehicles for multiple purposes, in numbers that far exceed current levels, at lower cost and enabling greater convenience than ever seen before.
For this to happen, UAVs need to be able to fly beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) of remote human pilots, and the technologies that make this possible need to come at an acceptable size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C).
Ubiquitous, reliable command & control communications, low-power edge processing and mission control, enabled by modern sensing and analysis are just some of the UAV technologies that TTP is working on.
We also consider the safety requirements and the needs of the regulators, as the regulatory environment shifts in favour of the UAV industry. We consider what can be achieved with different sensors and data processing techniques, and whether we can meet industry needs for SWaP-C together with charting a course towards certification.
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
Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility, Viasat
Ready for take off? Towards Detect and Avoid for Commercial UAVs
Commercial drones, and the business models they enable, will truly take off when fleets of UAVs can operate autonomously in shared airspace.
This whitepaper focuses on the technical challenges standing in the way of UAV autonomy, including last resort tactical airspace deconfliction by means of onboard sensing, also known as Detect and Avoid (DAA).
We also consider the safety goal posts, what can be achieved with different sensors, sensor fusion and data processing techniques, and whether we can meet industry needs for SWaP-C and chart a course towards certification.
Enabling new UAV applications with cutting-edge sensor fusion
Intelligence from scanning aperture radar
TTP was able to use open-source SAR data to extract intelligence about mining activities. This picture is a SAR image from Umbra of the Bingham Canyon mine. Here we are actually segmenting trucks on the haul road in that mine – with radar images – from space.
This result was achieved with “fusion” – not of multiple sensors, but a fusion of post-processing approaches that interpreted radar returns using a mixture of traditional image processing techniques. Now, imagine the possibilities if we added more dimensions and layers to this – modern AI approaches, more sensor modalities, what more insights can we learn?
Sensor fusion is key to so many industries – and the nuances of what that means are so varied based on what you are trying to “see” and what you can afford to spend and/or carry. Do you have an interesting problem where you are trying to “see the unseeable” or “see” something at half the cost?
How we can help
Custom sensing; discover previously unattainable insights
Where existing sources of data do not provide sufficient granularity or scalability, a novel approach to sensing, fusion and interpretation might be what you need. Our team have extensive experience in designing and integrating custom sensors. This process requires a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties you will measure, while selecting materials and methods to ensure performance, durability, and accuracy. Integrating sensors demands balancing connectivity, protocols, power management, and efficiency, often requiring extensive prototyping and testing to achieve optimal performance.
Hardware-algorithm integration
We bring together experts with a deep understanding of the hardware and software used in autonomy, automation and augmentation tasks. This multidisciplinary expertise allows you to effectively combine novel hardware with advanced algorithms, maximizing performance. For example, leveraging TTP’s expertise in nonlinear acoustics and piezoelectric technology, we developed a custom gas sensor for leak monitoring, followed by a tailored data processing algorithm tuned to the hardware, resulting in improved leak detection efficacy. Recognizing that good algorithms are built on real data; we conduct rigorous testing during design to understand sensor performance in real-world conditions.
Low SWaP-C connectivity
BVLOS applications are enabled by ubiquitous hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity. UAVs benefit from the lowest possible size, weight, power and cost. TTP have long-established experience in developing low SWaP-C connectivity solutions.
Novel low-profile antennas
Lightweight antennas that deliver the required coverage without compromising aerodynamics.
Low SWaP-C drone safety technologies
Sensor suite and onboard intelligence to enable detect and avoid in shared airspace.
Track record in aeronautical standards
We develop soft- and hardware in accordance with aviation standards such as DO-178 and DO-254 (DAL Level D) and test designs to demanding aviation environmental requirements (DO-160G).
End-to-end service for multidisciplinary designs
From understanding a market opportunity, to concept generation and detailed realisation, we undertake all stages of technology, product and service development. Our teams offer unrivalled expertise in terrestrial and satellite communications, sensor development, software and data processing, with the ability to draw in wider expertise from across TTP as required for each project.
UAV Radar system architecture, characterisation and prototyping
From antenna design and characterisation to radar signal processing and hardware design, we bring deep expertise and track record for UAV radar challenges. We can deploy our multidisciplinary team for rapid pace, trusted delivery and independence.
Custom sensing; discover previously unattainable insights
Where existing sources of data do not provide sufficient granularity or scalability, a novel approach to sensing, fusion and interpretation might be what you need. Our team have extensive experience in designing and integrating custom sensors. This process requires a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties you will measure, while selecting materials and methods to ensure performance, durability, and accuracy. Integrating sensors demands balancing connectivity, protocols, power management, and efficiency, often requiring extensive prototyping and testing to achieve optimal performance.
Hardware-algorithm integration
We bring together experts with a deep understanding of the hardware and software used in autonomy, automation and augmentation tasks. This multidisciplinary expertise allows you to effectively combine novel hardware with advanced algorithms, maximizing performance. For example, leveraging TTP’s expertise in nonlinear acoustics and piezoelectric technology, we developed a custom gas sensor for leak monitoring, followed by a tailored data processing algorithm tuned to the hardware, resulting in improved leak detection efficacy. Recognizing that good algorithms are built on real data; we conduct rigorous testing during design to understand sensor performance in real-world conditions.
Low SWaP-C connectivity
BVLOS applications are enabled by ubiquitous hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity. UAVs benefit from the lowest possible size, weight, power and cost. TTP have long-established experience in developing low SWaP-C connectivity solutions.
Novel low-profile antennas
Lightweight antennas that deliver the required coverage without compromising aerodynamics.
Low SWaP-C drone safety technologies
Sensor suite and onboard intelligence to enable detect and avoid in shared airspace.
Track record in aeronautical standards
We develop soft- and hardware in accordance with aviation standards such as DO-178 and DO-254 (DAL Level D) and test designs to demanding aviation environmental requirements (DO-160G).
End-to-end service for multidisciplinary designs
From understanding a market opportunity, to concept generation and detailed realisation, we undertake all stages of technology, product and service development. Our teams offer unrivalled expertise in terrestrial and satellite communications, sensor development, software and data processing, with the ability to draw in wider expertise from across TTP as required for each project.
UAV Radar system architecture, characterisation and prototyping
From antenna design and characterisation to radar signal processing and hardware design, we bring deep expertise and track record for UAV radar challenges. We can deploy our multidisciplinary team for rapid pace, trusted delivery and independence.
Our approach and capabilities
We deliver across the entire life of a project, from opportunity discovery to production engineering. Discover how our interdisciplinary teams of experts collaborate to tackle the toughest product development challenges.
Our campus and facilities
Our award-winning campus has been designed with a clear vision. To create a space which can support our people and our clients as we develop and deliver the very best technology solutions.
Software capability at TTP
Engaged in all stages of software and product development, our software capability at TTP covers the full spectrum—from in-depth analysis and system architecture to prototype design, implementation, and test development.
Manufacturing capability at TTP
Working seamlessly with our development teams, we take clients' products through prototype builds, clinical trials, pilot manufacture and more. Using TTP Manufacturing reduces uncertainty, risk and time to market for our clients.
Meet some of the team
Vidhya Sridhar
Ewan Laidlaw
Nathan Wrench
Mark Smith
George Gunn
Joe Millbourn
