Phoenix UAS flies using 4G LTE
UAV Solutions has flown its Phoenix ACE LE UAS using a 4G long term evolution (LTE) network for beyond line of sight (BLOS) capability, the company announced on 2 May.
UAV Solutions was able to fly the UAS from a distance of over 60 miles using a standard data plan, a modified set of avionics and a 4G LTE modem in the air vehicle. The flight demonstrated that the UAS can be operated BLOS by an operator with any internet connection including a 4G LTE hotspot, anywhere in the 4G LTE network.
During the four 50 minute flights, the operator had full control of the air vehicle and autonomous mission planning. Users were able to view full motion live video and operate the on-board camera.
Bill Davidson, chief executive officer and chief engineer, said: 'Applying 4G LTE technology for the flight of unmanned systems allows the proficient user to operate from anywhere on the globe with the assistance of a technician on the ground and a cellular network. Future possibilities for this technology include remote unmanned inspection stations.'
The Phoenix ACE LE is a small multi-rotor UAS with one hour + endurance. The backpackable system includes a UAS, charging station, windows tablet and joystick, mission planner software, batteries and a camera sensor. Sensor options include a combined electro-optical/infrared, multispectral, 10x zoom day and an action camera.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Royal Navy selects Animal Dynamics parafoil UAV for second phase of Heavy Lift challenge
With a payload capacity of 135kg, the Stork STM can fly up to 400km using a parafoil wing to generate lift.
-
IDEX 2023: Autel Robotics showcases DJI challenger drone
Autel Robotics presented its Dragonfish series and EVO Max 4T at IDEX 2023, hoping to challenge DJI's market dominance with the latter.
-
BAE and Innovaero debut Strix, Australia’s first domestic armed VTOL UAS
At the Avalon Airshow, BAE Systems Australia debuted Australia’s first domestically designed, built and armed VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) uncrewed air system (UAS), the Strix.
-
Enhanced autopilots pave way to autonomy for US multi-engine jets
The USAF has commissioned a year-long autonomy study by Reliable Robotics for large jet aircraft.
-
IDEX 2023: Black Eagle UAV gets miniature airborne radar
Integrating the radar into the Steadicopter UAS allows the rotorcraft to spot potential maritime threats.
-
IDEX 2023: KAI showcases developmental tiltrotor UAV
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is showcasing two developmental uncrewed platforms at IDEX 2023, the Night Intruder 500 Vectored Thurst (NI-500VT) and Air Launched Effect (ALE).