UAS Operations Enhanced with Secure Network Technology

Somewear Labs has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide resilient connectivity across heterogeneous autonomous platforms, and ensure effective and secure drone operations in complex environments.

During a three-day event, Somewear Labs aimed to demonstrate the future of airspace management for drones to securely operate anywhere in the world.

The company relied on its software-defined network as the communication backbone, which delivers real-time telemetry data for small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and the operator to the mission command center.

The demonstration tested the integration of Blue UAS with the Collaborative Low-Altitude UAS Integration Effort (CLUE) Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) system – which enables the safe, secure, and efficient operations of UAS within the National Airspace System.

Industry Partners

The team worked alongside the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD-AS), Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), and industry partners AgEagle, Skydio, AX Enterprize, and Auterion GS.

As part of a cohesive team effort, AgEagle and Skydio utilized third-party ground control hardware and software to manage their drones.

Auterion GS, an experienced developer of ground control software, supported the successful integration of Somewear’s Android application in QGC-Gov, a government-owned UAS software. 

The ground control stations ran Somewear’s Android application in the background, granting access to Somewear’s software-defined network and resilient data flow.

Additionally, Somewear Labs’ Node was connected to each ground control station and used SmartRouting, a proprietary networking protocol, to reliably and effectively route data across multiple networks.

This allowed both UAS and pilot telemetry data to be sent across the mesh network to a WiFi backhaul and then to the mission command center.

Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM)

UTM is critical anywhere UAS are operated. Somewear provides a field-tested solution to rapidly deploy a resilient network for heterogeneous drones, securely transmitting critical telemetry data from anywhere in the world.

These capabilities empower warfighters and strategic command to confidently recognize and distinguish between trusted UAS and others in the airspace.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Blue UAS Framework program provides advanced capabilities to UAS technology and reduces risk for government customers, ensuring that only secure and trusted technologies are used in critical defense operations.

Senior Program Manager, Aaron Dahl at Auterion, commented; “For third-party drones utilizing Auterion’s software, Somewear’s integration means access to a redundant, interoperable network where diverse systems can effectively communicate and operate. Such collaboration not only elevates operational efficiency but also paves the way for future innovations in unmanned aerial systems.”

James Kubik, CEO at Somewear Labs, added; “This collaboration not only marks an advancement in managing unmanned aerial systems but also underscores our commitment to supporting the last mile of JADC2. 

“Our software-defined network is designed to ensure mission-critical data can be shared between warfighters, battlefield assets, and command centers.

“Our integration framework allows us to integrate with strategic command’s preferred operational platform to extend situational awareness across all echelons of an operation.”