Long-Range UAV Integrates MIMO Radio for BVLOS Capability

By Mike Ball / 30 Jan 2020
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Skyfront Perimeter UAV

Skyfront, a developer of long-range hybrid-electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Silvus Technologies, a provider of Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) communications technologies, have announced that the two companies have collaborated to combine Skyfront’s Perimeter UAV with Silvus’ high-power StreamCaster radios. The new Perimeter XLRS drone features a flight endurance of up to five hours and the ability to maintain command and control links and stream real-time video at a range of up to 60 miles (100 km) from the ground control station.

The integration of the StreamCaster’s MIMO and beamforming capabilities provides the Perimeter with a steady, reliable video and control link, allowing the system to successfully overcome range limitations, signal attenuation and multipath interference. The Perimeter XLRS is ideal for surveillance and inspection missions in conditions where other data links may fail, such as in maritime, mountain, and jungle environments.

Features of the Perimeter XLRS drone integrated with StreamCaster MIMO technology include:

  • Latency-free manual/joystick and waypoint control up to 60 miles away
  • RF/EMI protection from the powerful onboard radio
  • Testing and integration with numerous sensor payloads
  • H264/H265 encoding for any HDMI-output camera
  • A fully integrated ground station with directional ground antennas
  • Seamless power and harnessing
  • AES256-encrypted video and control links
  • Elimination of interference between GNSS unit and radio

Troy Mestler, CEO of Skyfront, commented: “The integration of the StreamCaster into the Perimeter line of UAVs has enabled it to fully utilize its extreme endurance and fly beyond-line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions with ease. We are very excited to be partnering with Silvus Technologies to bring long-range aerial platforms into the mainstream.”

Kasey Cooper, Director of Unmanned Systems at Silvus Technologies, stated: “Silvus Technologies is proud to have Skyfront as one of our UAV partners. The Perimeter XLRS’s ability to support long endurance VTOL flight with the Silvus MN-MIMO waveform makes it a unique differentiator in the marketplace.”

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact