Until now, civil drone Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) control was not possible with accessible means. But this is already a reality with advances in satellite communications and 4G networks. There are few universities and companies that have already performed flights and communications tests at ranges of hundreds of kilometers.

In the absence of 4G networks or satellite communications, radio links are needed for establishing communications. Thereby limiting these operations to the range of the radio. Being many of them limited to a few tens of kilometers. Therefore, the use of communications systems employing the 4G network is of great importance for some sectors of the commercial industry, such as security, logistics, etc.

Among the big advantages of using 4G networks to control drones is that it does not require an investment in a big infrastructure. It is possible to leverage the available infrastructure for mobile telephones. Endowing the drone system with a fast and reliable communication network over the internet and permitting to control drones from anywhere in the world.

Satellite and 4G network communications with Veronte Autopilot 1x

Thanks to 4G networks and other communication systems compatible with the Veronte Autopilot 1x for drone control, Embention has already performed satisfactory long-range communication tests. Besides, a few months ago it was announced the “Veronte Cloud” platform with which to manage and monitor drone operations from any PC connected to the internet.

Do not forget that Veronte Autopilot 1x is also compatible with Satcom modules, employing the Iridium satellite network. Iridium provides worldwide coverage for BLOS UAV operations, easing the use of satellite telecommunication commands such as “Go Home,” change of flight phase, etc.

BLOS operations with drones through satellite or 4G networks permit them to perform the functionalities described above together with others such as:

• Keep a simultaneous or individual bidirectional communication with one or more drones.
• Identify each drone installing the Veronte Autopilot 1x uniquely. Fulfilling some of the requirements in international regulations.
• Increase the safety on drone flights by establishing autonomous communications among them and exchanging data. Obtaining improved algorithms for Sense & Avoid.
• etc…