Research project to test UAS C2 systems for GPS-denied environments

The University of North Dakota (UND) Aerospace and NAL Research have announced a collaborative project where NAL will provide the foundation with a suite of satellite and communication (SATCOM) products and services for its uncrewed aerial system (UAS) program. 

The project will integrate and test command and control (C2) sysytems for UAS platforms conducting beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in rural and remote areas.

Together, UND Aerospace and NAL Research will validate new C2 technologies for UAS to safely operate both within the Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System, and in conflict zones where traditional GPS signals may be jammed or spoofed. The project will demonstrate how a variety of SATCOM solutions – including NAL’s Assured Position Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) offering for GPS-denied environments – can bridge the gap for UAS operations when ultra-high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) radio communications are not possible or available.

NAL’s QuickSilver and SkyLink modems are being evaluated for use for UAS, unattended sensors, remote C2, diagnostic monitoring, telemetry, and other data transport applications.

The project begins this April, with the integration of NAL Research’s systems into UND’s UAS. The testing will focus on Group 1-3 UAS platforms, a classification typically associated with non-military UAS.