Phoenix UAS flies using 4G LTE

5th May 2017 - 16:30 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

RSS

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.

Author

The Shephard News Team

As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to Premium News and Defence Insight …

Read full bio

More from Uncrewed Vehicles

Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system

Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments

Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS

The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024

AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards

The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official

Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.