Gotonomia leading provider of UAV satellite connectivity solutions, has announced the completion of further successful flight tests and the opening of orders for production units of all variants of its UAV SATCOM terminals.
The launch represents an important milestone, marking the transition from pre-production flight development kits to type-approved commercial terminals and enabling scalable Beyond the Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operation for drone operators who want to provide services such as inspection, surveillance and delivery.
After extensive verification tests, including flight tests in the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, the UK and Brazil, deliveries of CE/FCC/RCC/ISED Delivery of the marked units will begin in October 2024. All commercially available terminal variants will have received Viasat type approval, making them the first UAV terminals to receive approval for Regional Class 4 operations. Flight development kits for R&D purposes are currently still available.
Developed in collaboration with TTP And ViasatGotonomi’s complete range of small form factor terminals is tailored to the needs of companies operating small and medium-sized aircraft in applications that benefit greatly from remote control. The terminals are available through Viasat’s Velaris Network, a dedicated UAV connectivity service and the flagship Velaris 200 offering a fully integrated satellite communications terminal and antenna.
For greater flexibility, Gotonomi offers the Velaris module (a satellite communications module) and the Velaris Multilink module (a hybrid terminal that combines satellite and LTE connectivity with edge computing capabilities). The Gotonomi 200-A Omni antenna complements these offerings as a lightweight standalone antenna.
The Inspection and Monitoring product package includes:
- Gotonomi Velaris Edge module with integrated SOM
- Gotonomi 200-A Omni Antenna
- Videosoft’s ultra-low bandwidth video streaming software is pre-installed on the terminal
- Videosoft Software License
- Viasat broadcast time
- The inspection package will be launched with an introductory price that will be applied to a limited quantity.
Gotonomi addresses the critical challenge of ensuring continuous connectivity for UAVs, but also offers key differentiators from other terminal providers:
- Lighter weight, smaller size and lower cost than the competition
- Comprehensive integration support to help operators get started
- Competitive airtime fee structure with constant connectivity and no fees for maintaining an active satellite connection
- Up to 200 kbps data rate with excellent global availability via Viasat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
The launch of the production units comes at a crucial time for the UAV industry. As the sector expands into new applications such as cargo, personnel transport, crop protection, site inspection and search and rescue, the need for reliable, always-on communications links has become paramount.
Gotonomi’s partner TTP is also working on Recognize and avoid (DAA) technology, further improving the safety of UAV operations.
Matthew Hill, General Manager at Gotonomi, said, “After an extensive testing phase of our flight development kits, we are excited to enter the production phase and prepare to deliver the commercial product. We see the inspection and surveillance market driving the need for reliable BVLOS operations and we are excited to be able to offer the Velaris Inspection Bundle in collaboration with our partners Viasat and Videosoft Global to meet the needs of these customers..”
Stewart McCone, CEO at Videosoft, said, “This partnership represents a significant advancement in UAV video capabilities. Videosoft Global’s software combined with Gotonomi’s hardware enables near real-time video streaming via satellite, opening up new possibilities for operators looking to fly BVLOS and in remote areas not served by terrestrial networks.”
Anthony Spouncer, Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Viasatsaid, “The commercial availability of Gotonomi’s production units represents a pivotal moment in the UAV industry. By combining Gotonomi’s innovative hardware with Viasat’s Velaris service, we offer operators unprecedented connectivity and reliability. This launch will accelerate the adoption of BVLOS operations in various sectors, from remote inspections to emergency response.”
About Gotonomi
Gotonomi’s mission is to enable always-on connectivity for autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, making safe and scalable beyond-line-of-sight operations a reality. Our vision is to provide a platform for developing UAV services for safe autonomous operations on land, sea and in the air. Our groundbreaking miniaturized communications system, developed by TTP plc, enables satellite and cellular connections to smaller and lighter UAVs. By connecting to the Viasat Velaris network, our technology enables beyond-line-of-sight operations by providing command and control, telemetry, data services such as video streaming, voice relay and all services required for air traffic control.
About TTP
TTP is a technology and product development services company based in the Cambridge technology cluster (UK). For over 35 years the company has delivered science and technology driven innovation to customers across a wide range of industries including aerospace where we work with world leading companies that benefit from TTP’s involvement in other industries and technologies. TTP’s focus areas in the space sector include: User terminals and antennas for satellite connectivity including for UAVs / 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) / Inter-satellite links / Sustainable space solutions. TTP has extensive experience in developing terrestrial and satellite communications solutions – from system level to equipment, from VHF to V-band, from land-based equipment to air and space platforms.
About Videosoft
Videosoft Global proudly cements its position as the “Best in Breed” video streaming solution, providing world-class low latency live video streaming services over wireless networks. With working locations in the UK, France, Australia, USA, Canada and Asia. Its unparalleled technology seamlessly integrates adaptive video compression and transmission protocols, revolutionizing streaming capabilities by delivering remarkable ultra-low bandwidth performance starting from as low as 1kbps. This redefines the notion of a “low bandwidth” video solution and “works when you need it most” even in the most demanding environments. Videosoft is hardware and network agnostic and can meet the needs of customers facing real-time video challenges from remote locations, offering customized solutions for many markets.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission is shaping the way consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to enable high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable and fast connections that positively impact people’s lives everywhere – on the ground, in the air or at sea – while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed the acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner.
