Drone Radios & UAV Communication Systems

Find Drone Radio manufacturers, communication systems and RF equipment for unmanned vehicles; UAV, UAS, UGV, USV and robotics
Overview Drone Radios & UAV Communication Systems
By Technology Editor Last updated: October 20th, 2023

Unmanned Vehicle Communications, including UAV Radio and Long Range Data Communications

UAVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and other unmanned systems utilise radios and other forms of communications for a variety of reasons, including authorization for public safety, the transmission of telemetry , sensor, image and video data, as well as long-range communication for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) applications. Several technologies are in use.

Drone radio communication devices

Commtact-Secure-Wireless-Drone-Data-Link

Commtact Secure Wireless Drone Data Link

Wireless communication, based on the IEEE 802.11 Ethernet standard, is popular due to the flexibility and robustness of the technology.

Ethernet technology is ubiquitous and so hardware such as wireless modems and specialised integrated circuits are widely available at low cost, and standard networking applications and protocols can be integrated into an unmanned vehicle quickly and easily with few changes.

Cellular vehicle communication systems

Cellular communication over 3G or 4G networks has several advantages, such as ease of use and the fact that the required infrastructure has already been provided by the mobile operator. However, the user therefore has no control over the network. Coverage and quality of service are also dependent on geographical location and may be non-existent in particularly remote areas.

Analogue communication radios for unmanned vehicles

Analogue radio, using frequency modulation (FM) technology and radio frequency (RF) signals, can be used for control of an unmanned vehicle as well as for streaming of images and PAL or NTSC video. The analogue signals are susceptible to noise and do not deliver as clear image quality as other methods, but have the advantage of low latency, as well as gradual signal degradation as opposed to a sudden unannounced cutoff.

Commtact-Wireless-Digital-Data-Link-for-Drones

Commtact Wireless-Digital Data Link for Drones

Digital UAV communication systems

Digital radios usually operate over IP networks, giving them the security and flexibility of IP communications. The technology requires large amounts of processing power, which can make SWaP (size, weight and power) issues a challenge for UAVs and other space-constrained unmanned systems. Range and visibility can be affected by obstacles such as tall buildings and trees, which is an especially problematic for ground-based systems such as UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles).

Other types of UAV long range communication

Silvus Technologies MIMO-Wireless Connectivity for unmanned systems StreamCaster Radio

Silvus Technologies MIMO-Wireless Connectivity for unmanned systems StreamCaster Radio

MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) technology-based radios can overcome some of the limitations of operating in urban terrain. MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Network) and swarm technologies can also be utilised with digital radios to set up networks of unmanned vehicles, extending the range of communications as well as providing self-healing and advanced routing facilities.

Products (34)

Swappable Radio Modules (SRM)

Versatile Radio Systems for Ground Control Stations (GCS)

Versatile Radio Systems for Ground Control Stations (GCS)
...vide versatile communication capabilities for UAV and unmanned vehicle ground control systems. These...
THPR1055 High Power Radio

Fully integrated high-power RF radio system

Fully integrated high-power RF radio system
...iad High Power Radio (THPR), contains a Silvus Streamcaster SC4410-235-O OEM form factor radio at... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
THPR1039 High Power Radio

Low SWaP integrated radio system for UAS, UGV, and USV

Low SWaP integrated radio system for UAS, UGV, and USV
...039 High Power Radio uses a magnesium housing and contains a DTC SOL8SDR-C-132043 radio at its core,... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
THPR1021 High Power Radio

Low SWaP fully integrated high power radio system

Low SWaP fully integrated high power radio system
...021 High Power Radio contains a Silvus Streamcaster SC4210P-467-O OEM radio at its core and combines... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
THPR1019-D03 High Power Radio

Lowest SWaP, S-band amplified radio system for long range links

Lowest SWaP, S-band amplified radio system for long range links
...D03 High Power Radio contains a Silvus Streamcaster SC4200-235-O OEM radio at its core and combines... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
THPR1012 High Power Radio

Amplified S-band integrated radio system for long-range links

Amplified S-band integrated radio system for long-range links
...012 High Power Radio contains a Silvus Streamcaster SC4210-235-O OEM radio at its core and combines... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
THPR1009-D03 High Power Radio

Low SWaP integrated radio system for UAS, UGV & USV

Low SWaP integrated radio system for UAS, UGV & USV
...D03 High Power Radio contains a Silvus Streamcaster SC4210-435 radio at its core and combines with... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
THPR1006 High Power Radio

Low SWaP integrated radio system for UAS, UGV & USV

Low SWaP integrated radio system for UAS, UGV & USV
...006 High Power Radio contains a Microhard Picoradio 2.45 GHz pMDDL2450 radio at its core and is a... ...h-Power RF Sub-System & Radio...
BluSDR-90-UL

Ultra-lightweight 10W OEM radio module for long-range UAV communications

Ultra-lightweight 10W OEM radio module for long-range UAV communications
...s BluSDR-90-UL radio is optimized for providing long-range communications for mission-critical UAVs... ...ultra-reliable system offers MANET IP Mesh capability with up to 144 nodes in a self-healing...
SDR-H2

Next-Gen Special Role Radio designed to meet a diverse range of applications

Next-Gen Special Role Radio designed to meet a diverse range of applications
...ftware defined radio platform (SOL8SDR), the SOL8SDR-H2 is the enhanced next generation Special Role... ...w latency Mesh radios – under 180ms for video; less than 20ms data only...
BluSDR-6

Low SWAP-C OEM radio module for short range wireless communications

Low SWAP-C OEM radio module for short range wireless communications
...able for small drone platforms operating in short range applications up to 6km in range. ...
BluSDR-30

Low SWAP-C 2x1W OEM radio module for medium range wireless communications

Low SWAP-C 2x1W OEM radio module for medium range wireless communications
... wide range of systems. Weighing only 4oz/110g (core PCB), the BluSDR-30 is the thickness of a...
BluSDR-90

Low SWAP-C 2x5W OEM radio module for long range wireless communications

Low SWAP-C 2x5W OEM radio module for long range wireless communications
...for long-range UAV products. With its small form factor and designed for environmental resistance,...
BluSDR-200

Low SWAP-C 2x15W OEM radio module for extra-long range wireless communications

Low SWAP-C 2x15W OEM radio module for extra-long range wireless communications
...y suitable for drone platforms operating in extra-long range applications up to 200km. ...
HX-DU1601D Radio Modem

UHF radio modem for RTK positioning applications

UHF radio modem for RTK positioning applications
...1601D is a UHF radio modem that is ideal for broadcasting RTK corrections data to unmanned vehicles...
HX-DU1603D Radio Modem

UHF radio modem with OLED screen for RTK positioning

UHF radio modem with OLED screen for RTK positioning
...1603D is a UHF radio modem that is ideal for broadcasting RTK corrections data to unmanned vehicles...
HX-DU8608D Radio Modem

Long-range UHF radio modem for RTK positioning applications

Long-range UHF radio modem for RTK positioning applications
...wer long-range radio modem that is ideal for broadcasting RTK corrections data to unmanned vehicles...
HX-DU8616D Pro Radio Modem

Rugged long-range UHF & 4G radio modem for RTK positioning applications

Rugged long-range UHF & 4G radio modem for RTK positioning applications
...wer long-range radio modem that is ideal for broadcasting RTK corrections data to unmanned vehicles...
HX-DU1012R Radio Receiver

Embedded radio receiver for wireless communications

Embedded radio receiver for wireless communications
...is an embedded radio receiver modem that is ideal for a wide variety of mobile and remote data...
Wearable Mesh Rider Radio

Connect any internet-enabled device easily using the built-in WiFi hotspot

Connect any internet-enabled device easily using the built-in WiFi hotspot
... handheld mesh radio to connect personnel and unmanned systems in off-grid and disconnected...
Mini Mesh Rider Radio

For SWaP-conscious platforms. 2×2 MIMO in a mini form factor.

For SWaP-conscious platforms. 2×2 MIMO in a mini form factor.
...rformance mesh radio with a small footprint and incredibly long range, capable of routinely...
Nano Mesh Rider Radio

For the smallest robotic systems. The smallest, lowest-SWaP, high-performance mesh radio available.

For the smallest robotic systems. The smallest, lowest-SWaP, high-performance mesh radio available.
...est Mesh Rider Radio in the series and the lowest-SWaP, high-performance mesh radio available....
CreoLand MANET Radios

Secure and reliable connectivity for land and maritime robotics

Secure and reliable connectivity for land and maritime robotics
CreoLand MANET radios provides secure and reliable connectivity for on-the-move operations,...
CreoAir MANET Radios

Tactical high-throughout communications for UAVs & drones

Tactical high-throughout communications for UAVs & drones
CreoAir datalinks provide UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and drones with a robust communications ca...
RD-EDGE SDR Solution

Mobile & stationary mesh radio communications solution

Mobile & stationary mesh radio communications solution
...ftware-defined radio connectivity solution available in variants designed for either mobile or...
RD-XLR Signal Tracking System

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 200 km range

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 200 km range
...D-XLR provides radio signal tracking with unmatched precision and the ability to simultaneously pick...
RD-LR Signal Tracking System

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 100 km range

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 100 km range
...RD-LR provides radio signal tracking with unmatched precision and the ability to simultaneously pick...
RD-MR Signal Tracking System

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 30 km range

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 30 km range
...mnidirectional radio signal tracking even under highly demanding conditions, featuring a pedestal...
RD-SR Signal Tracking System

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 15 km range

Dual-antenna omnidirectional signal tracking system with 15 km range
...mnidirectional radio signal tracking even under highly demanding conditions, featuring a pedestal...
Mimer SoftRadio Radio remote control over IP

SoftRadio lets you remote control any type of two way radio from a Windows PC.

SoftRadio lets you remote control any type of two way radio from a Windows PC.
... the SoftRadio system you can remote control any two way radio using an IP connection from radio to... ...and two marine radios connected. Also a VoiceLog for audio recording and a SIP-phone so that the...
Mimer SoftRadio for USVs

A large USV needs to have a marine VHF radio onboard. SoftRadio lets you remote control it.

A large USV needs to have a marine VHF radio onboard. SoftRadio lets you remote control it.
...an handle many radios, on one ship or on several ships. Each ship can also be fitted with more than...
Mimer SoftRadio for UAVs

Also a UAV needs to have communication with the air control tower.

Also a UAV needs to have communication with the air control tower.
...e pilot of the UAV is near to the control tower, he can use an airband radio directly from his... ...both cases SoftRadio will solve the task. When the radio is placed on a fixed location, you can...
HybridEdge

Combined radio & cellular communications for autonomous applications

Combined radio & cellular communications for autonomous applications
......a range of autonomous applications, including precision agriculture and last-mile drone delivery....
CreoHub Software-Defined Radio

Scalable, self-healing radio for surveillance and intelligent applications

Scalable, self-healing radio for surveillance and intelligent applications
...l for tactical communication within security agencies and armed forces, for applications including...

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