uAvionix supported a recent demonstration in Wales that confirmed the reliability of its standards-based Control and Non-Payload Communication (CNPC) Command and Control (C2) services, delivered through the SkyLine system for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operations.
The demonstration was organized by BT and involved collaboration with uAvionix, Skyfarer, and Intelligent Energy, conducting flights between Snowdonia Aerospace Centre’s Llanbedr Airfield and offshore danger areas in Barmouth Bay.
uAvionix’s SkyLine C2 system was central to the trials, showcasing highly assured, multi-datalink, multi-path, and long-range C2 capabilities.
The system combined C-Band aviation-protected spectrum, BT’s Drone SIM, and Starlink’s low earth orbit (LEO) satcom. These capabilities, along with advanced Detect and Avoid (DAA) technologies, are crucial for meeting the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) higher risk Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) 4-6 BVLOS flight Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs), aligning with the CAA’s Future of Flight: BVLOS Roadmap.
The UAV hexacopter used in the flight weighed 25kg and was powered by Intelligent Energy’s IE-SOAR™ hydrogen fuel cell system. It was equipped with the uAvionix muLTElink-5060 Airborne Radio System (ARS) Link Executive Manager, which provided the robust multi-datalink CNPC C2 capabilities. The system utilized C-Band, cellular (via BT’s Drone SIM), and LEO satcom (through a Starlink mini connected to the muLTElink-5060) to maintain constant control.
Skyfarer managed the operational approval, flight planning, flight crew, and operations support. This included integrating the uAvionix SkyLine C2 system with their Ground Control System (GCS) and setting up the uAvionix SkyStation5060-POE GRS. The SkyLine system also received a traffic feed from the uAvionix FlightLine ADS-B surveillance system, which included data from a uAvionix FlightStation dual-frequency receiver hosted by Llanbedr Tower, plus an additional FlightStation set up by Skyfarer.
The successful flights demonstrated seamless handover between the various datalinks, which maintained C2 integrity even within challenging coastal environments. The muLTElink-5060 Link Executive Manager within the uAvionix SkyLine CNPC C2 uses multi-datalink, multi-path connectivity over C-Band 5030-5091MHz aviation protected spectrum radio, cellular, and satellite to maintain constant control. SkyLine is a CNPC standards-based C2 system designed to meet the requirements of RTCA DO-377A and DO-362A, and the certified performance of the FAA’s draft Technical Standard Order, TSO C-213A.
Dave Pankhurst, Innovation Director, Future Connected Solutions, BT, stated, “This demonstration showcases the reliability of multi-datalink C2 in real-world UK conditions, paving the way for expanded BVLOS applications.”
Thomas Jimenez, VP of UAS at uAvionix, added, “uAvionix is committed to supporting the UK’s drone ecosystem with technologies that meet stringent CAA standards.”
The CAA is currently consulting on a C2 Link Policy Concept for SAIL 1 to 3 and plans to consult in due course on a C2 Link Policy Concept for SAIL 4 to 6 as well.
