Gotonomi, a leading provider of UAV satellite connectivity solutions, has announced the completion of further successful flight trials and the opening of orders for production units of all variants of its UAV SATCOM terminals.
The launch marks a significant milestone, transitioning from pre-production flight development kits to type-approved, commercial terminals, enabling scalable Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) operations for drone operators wishing to offer services such as inspection, surveillance, and delivery.
Following extensive verification testing, including flight trials across the EU, US, Canada, Australia, UK, and Brazil, deliveries of CE/FCC/RCC/ISED marked units will start from October 2024. All commercially available terminal variants will have achieved Viasat type approval making them the first UAV terminals to receive approval for Regional Class 4 operations. Flight development kits for R&D purposes are still available for delivery now.
Developed in collaboration with TTP and Viasat, Gotonomi’s full product range of small form factor terminals are designed to meet the needs of businesses operating small and medium size airframes in applications that benefit strongly from remote operation. The terminals connect via Viasat’s Velaris network, a dedicated UAV connectivity service, and the flagship Velaris 200 provides a fully integrated satellite communication terminal and antenna.
For greater flexibility, Gotonomi offers the Velaris Module (a satellite communication module) and the Velaris Multi-link Module (a hybrid terminal combining satellite and LTE connectivity with edge computing capabilities). The Gotonomi 200-A Omni Antenna complements these offerings as a lightweight standalone antenna.
The ‘inspection and surveillance’ product bundle, includes:
- Gotonomi Velaris Edge Module, with integrated SOM
- Gotonomi 200-A Omni Antenna
- Videosoft’s ultra-low bandwidth video streaming software pre-loaded on the terminal
- Videosoft software license
- Viasat airtime
- The Inspection Bundle will be launched with introductory incentive pricing applied to a limited quantity.
Gotonomi addresses the critical challenge of ensuring continuous connectivity for UAVs, but also offers key differentiators from other terminal providers:
- Lighter weight, smaller size and lower cost than competitors
- Comprehensive assistance with integration, helping operators take flight
- Competitive airtime fee structure with always-on connectivity and no charges for maintaining an active satellite connection
- Up to 200kbps data rates with excellent global availability through Viasat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN)
The launch of production units comes at a crucial time for the UAV industry. As the sector expands into new applications such as cargo, passenger transit, crop spraying, site inspection, and search and rescue, the need for reliable, always-on communication links has become paramount.
Gotonomi’s partner TTP is also working on Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology, further enhancing the safety capabilities of UAV operations.
Matthew Hill, General Manager at Gotonomi, said, “Following an extensive period of testing of our flight development kits, were thrilled to move into the production phase and preparing to ship commercial product. We see the Inspection and Surveillance market pushing forward the need for reliable BVLOS operations and we’re delighted to offer the Velaris Inspection Bundle, in collaboration with our partners Viasat and Videosoft Global, to meet the needs of those customers.”
Stewart McCone, CEO at Videosoft, said, “This partnership represents a significant leap forward in UAV video capabilities. Videosoft Global’s software, combined with Gotonomi hardware, enables near real-time video streaming over satellite, opening new possibilities for operators who want to fly BVLOS and in remote areas not served by terrestrial networks.”
Anthony Spouncer, Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) at Viasat, said, “The commercial availability of Gotonomi’s production units represents a critical moment in the UAV industry. By combining Gotonomi’s innovative hardware with Viasat’s Velaris service, we’re providing operators with unparalleled connectivity and reliability. This launch will accelerate the adoption of BVLOS operations in various sectors, from remote inspections to emergency response.”
About Gotonomi
Gotonomi’s mission is to enable always on-connectivity for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles, making safe and scalable beyond visual line of sight operations a reality. We have a vision to provide a platform for the development of UAV services for safe autonomous operation on land sea and air. Our disruptive miniaturised communication system designed by TTP plc enables satellite and cellular connectivity to smaller and lighter-weight UAVs. Connecting to the Viasat Velaris network, our technology enables beyond visual line of sight operations by enabling command and control, telemetry, data services such as video streaming, voice relay and all services required for air traffic management.
About TTP
TTP is a technology and product development services company based in the Cambridge (UK) technology cluster. For over 35 years, the company has been delivering science and technology-driven innovation to clients in a wide range of sectors, including aerospace, where we are working with global leaders who benefit from TTP’s exposure to other industry sectors and technologies. TTP’s focus areas in the space sector include: User terminals and antennas for satellite connectivity, including for UAVs / 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) / Intersatellite links / Space sustainability solutions. TTP has extensive experience in the development of terrestrial and satellite communication solutions – from system level down to devices, from VHF to V-band, from land-based equipment to aeronautical and space-based platforms.
About Videosoft
Videosoft Global is proudly solidifying its position as the “Best in Breed” video streaming solution today, offering top-tier, low-latency live video streaming services across wireless networks. With working locations spanning across the UK, France, Australia, US, Canada & Asia. Its unparalleled technology seamlessly integrates adaptive video compression and transmission protocols, revolutionizing streaming capabilities by delivering remarkable ultra-low bandwidth performance starting from as little as 1kbps. This redefines the notion of a ‘low bandwidth’ video solution and ‘works when you need it most,’ even in the most challenging of environments. Hardware and network agnostic, Videosoft is well placed to meet the needs of customers experiencing real-time video challenges from remote locations, providing tailored solutions across many markets.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner.