TTP has supported a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial under the European Space Agency’s Iris programme, helping demonstrate how resilient connectivity and satellite technologies can enable safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in managed airspace.
Conducted alongside Viasat and Frequentis, the demonstration examined how emerging satellite and multi-link communications technologies can support interactions between uncrewed aircraft, remote operators, and airspace management systems. The activity focused on practical connectivity requirements for BVLOS operations in complex and remote environments, where safe flight relies on trusted communications rather than direct visual control.
BVLOS operations are expected to unlock new capabilities for Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) across cargo delivery, infrastructure inspection, emergency response, environmental monitoring, and other sectors. However, enabling UAVs to safely operate within shared, non-segregated airspace requires resilient command-and-control links, reliable data pathways, and secure interaction with Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) systems.
The latest Iris RPAS trial explored these requirements under real flight conditions, helping build the evidence base needed by regulators, industry stakeholders, and airspace authorities as BVLOS operations continue to mature.
TTP contributed expertise in UAV satellite connectivity, terminal and antenna technologies, and the development of compact low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) systems. This includes the company’s work with Viasat on UAV satellite terminals for the Velaris network, now available through TTP’s UAV communications brand, Gotonomi.
In 2023, TTP was selected to develop the core technology for a compact, lightweight UAV satellite communications terminal as part of the Iris air traffic modernisation programme. The company subsequently launched Gotonomi, which provides lightweight UAV satcom terminals designed to support always-available communications for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles.
Martin Wallis, Aviation Programme Lead at TTP plc, said, “As BVLOS operations move into more complex and remote environments, trusted communications will be essential to maintaining safety, situational awareness and operational control. This Iris RPAS trial helps build real-world evidence around how connectivity technologies can support integration with UTM and airspace management systems. Drawing on our expertise in UAV satellite connectivity, terminal and antenna technologies, including our Gotonomi UAV satcom platform, TTP is pleased to support the wider effort to enable resilient, scalable and safety-led uncrewed aviation.”
This latest flight trial follows the April 2026 BVLOS connectivity demonstration involving Viasat and industry partners, forming part of the wider Iris RPAS programme’s ongoing work to validate trusted communications for safe airspace integration.
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