uAvionix, designer and manufacturer of communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) equipment for unmanned and manned aircraft, is testing its prototype of a command and non-payload control (CNPC) radio for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and urban air mobility vehicles.

Photo: uAvionix

SkyLink is an L-band frequency-modulated CNPC radio ultimately intended for point-to-point or networked Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS operations. uAvionix has focused on minimizing size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) while maximizing range and spectrum efficiency.

The current 50-gram 10-Watt prototype is testing successfully at ranges exceeding 40 miles at low altitude. uAvionix is testing under an experimental transmit license and approval from the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Aviation Administration, respectively.

Prior to founding uAvionix, CEO Paul Beard invented and brought to market the Spektrum digital spread spectrum radio control (RC) technology which moved the control link from 27 and 72 MHz bands to a high-bandwidth 2.4-GHz ISM band.

“Building high performance datalinks for airborne applications is insanely challenging,” said Beard. “Combining our ability to produce TSO certified equipment with the experience of developing and deploying millions of commercial products globally with Spektrum, we expect to bring affordable, scalable, and safe solutions to enable the UAS and UAM markets.”

Visit uAvionix at AUVSI Xponential 2019 at booth 4421.