uAvionix supported a demonstration in Wales that validated the robust, standards-based Control and Non-Payload Communication (CNPC) Command and Control (C2) services delivered by its SkyLine system for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) flights.
The demonstration was organized by BT, with collaboration from uAvionix, Skyfarer, and Intelligent Energy. Flights took place between Snowdonia Aerospace Centre’s Llanbedr Airfield and the offshore D217 danger areas in Barmouth Bay, Wales.
The goal was to showcase highly assured, multi-datalink, multi-path, long-range C2 capabilities, which are considered essential for meeting the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) higher risk Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) 4–6 BVLOS flight Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs).
The C2 system successfully combined C-Band aviation-protected spectrum, BT’s Drone SIM cellular connectivity, and Starlink’s low earth orbit (LEO) satcom. The flights demonstrated seamless handover between these datalinks, maintaining C2 integrity even in challenging coastal environments.
The UAV utilized was a 25kg hexacopter powered by Intelligent Energy’s IE-SOAR™ hydrogen fuel cell system. It was equipped with the uAvionix muLTElink-5060 Airborne Radio System (ARS) Link Executive Manager, which provided the multi-datalink CNPC C2 over C-Band, cellular (using the BT Drone SIM), and LEO satcom (via a Starlink mini).
Skyfarer was responsible for the operational approval, flight planning, crew, and operations support, including the integration of the uAvionix SkyLine C2 system with their ground control system and setting up the uAvionix SkyStation5060-POE Ground Radio System (GRS). The uAvionix SkyLine system also received a traffic feed from the uAvionix FlightLine ADS-B surveillance system, which used data from a uAvionix FlightStation dual-frequency receiver hosted by Llanbedr Tower and an additional FlightStation set up by Skyfarer.
The muLTElink-5060 Link Executive Manager within the SkyLine CNPC C2 utilizes its multi-datalink, multi-path connectivity over the C-Band 5030–5091MHz aviation protected spectrum, cellular, and satellite to maintain constant control. SkyLine is a CNPC standards-based C2 system that meets the requirements of RTCA DO-377A and DO-362A, and the certified performance of the FAA’s draft Technical Standard Order, TSO C-213A.
This demonstration aligns with the UK CAA’s Future of Flight: BVLOS Roadmap, highlighting how advanced C2 and Detect and Avoid (DAA) technologies can enable safer, scalable drone operations across the UK.
Dave Pankhurst, Innovation Director, Future Connected Solutions, BT, commented, “This demonstration showcases the reliability of multi-datalink C2 in real-world UK conditions, paving the way for expanded BVLOS applications.”
Thomas Jimenez, VP of UAS at uAvionix, added, “uAvionix is committed to supporting the UK’s drone ecosystem with technologies that meet stringent CAA standards.”
The CAA is currently consulting on a C2 Link Policy Concept for SAIL 1 to 3 and plans to consult in due course on a C2 Link Policy Concept for SAIL 4 to 6 as well.
