Inmarsat has launched an advanced connectivity solution designed to provide secure communications for commercial Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to fly Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) and seamlessly integrate with aircraft in commercial airspace.
Powered by the Inmarsat ELERA global satellite network, Velaris allows operators to send their UAVs on long distance flights and access various applications, such as real-time monitoring, to ensure safe integration with other air traffic. Velaris allows a single pilot to remotely operate multiple UAVs at scale, making operations more commercially viable.
To support the fast-paced growth of the UAV industry, Velaris will unlock new digital automation capabilities, leading to significant advances in safety, productivity, customer service, location access and accuracy, while also reducing the overall cost of operations. Velaris is backed by military grade cybersecurity and will also support the transport of people and goods in an environmentally friendly manner.
“Commercial UAVs have the potential to revolutionize a vast array of different industries throughout the world,” Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat’s Senior Director of UAVs and Unmanned Traffic Management, said.
“However, to truly unlock their potential on a commercial scale, it is imperative that autonomous vehicles and unmanned aviation are safely and securely integrated into managed commercial airspace. That’s exactly what Velaris, as Inmarsat’s first global UAV connectivity solution, will deliver.
“Inmarsat’s unparalleled experience in air traffic management and aviation safety, combined with our established track record in civil and military UAV communications, ensures that we can support global regulators, air navigation service providers and UAV operators with seamless airspace integration.
“In addition, thanks to our ambitious and fully-funded technology roadmap, including our brand new ORCHESTRA communications network of the future, Velaris will continue to develop and evolve alongside the UAV industry, remaining its gold standard connectivity solution for decades to come.”
