TTP ©
TTP has supported a new Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial with Viasat and Frequentis, helping build real-world evidence for how resilient connectivity can enable safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) uncrewed aviation in managed airspace.
The demonstration, delivered under the European Space Agency’s wider Iris programme, examined how emerging satellite and multi-link communications technologies can support interaction between uncrewed aircraft, remote operators and airspace management systems. The trial focused on the practical connectivity requirements for BVLOS operations in complex and remote environments, where safe flight depends on trusted communications rather than direct line-of-sight control.
Building evidence for BVLOS in managed airspace
TTP’s contribution draws on its deep expertise in UAV satellite connectivity, terminal and antenna technologies, and the development of compact low size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) systems for aviation. This includes TTP’s work with Viasat on UAV satellite terminals for the Velaris network, now available through TTP’s UAV communications brand, Gotonomi.
BVLOS operation is expected to unlock new possibilities for uncrewed aircraft across inspection, cargo, emergency response, environmental monitoring and other applications. However, to move safely into shared, non-segregated airspace, UAVs need reliable command and control links, resilient data pathways, and the ability to exchange trusted information with traffic management systems.
The latest Iris RPAS trial explored these requirements under real flight conditions, observing how connectivity behaves in practice and how it can support Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) interaction. By bringing together satellite communications, emerging network technologies and airspace integration expertise, the activity contributes to the evidence base needed by industry, regulators and airspace stakeholders as BVLOS operations continue to mature.
Martin Wallis, Aviation Programme Lead at TTP plc, said: As BVLOS operations move into more complex and remote environments, trusted communications will be essential to maintaining safety, situational awareness and operational control. This Iris RPAS trial helps build real-world evidence around how connectivity technologies can support integration with UTM and airspace management systems. Drawing on our expertise in UAV satellite connectivity, terminal and antenna technologies, including our Gotonomi UAV satcom platform, TTP is pleased to support the wider effort to enable resilient, scalable and safety-led uncrewed aviation.
Drawing on TTP’s UAV satellite communications expertise
The trial builds on a long-running programme of work by TTP, Viasat and ESA to develop and test the technologies needed for commercial UAVs to operate safely beyond visual line of sight. In 2023, TTP was selected to develop the core technology for a compact, lightweight UAV satcom terminal as part of the Iris air traffic modernisation programme. TTP subsequently launched Gotonomi, offering small and lightweight UAV satellite terminals designed to support always-available communications for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles.