Viasat and partners take Beyond Visual Line of Sight to new heights with integrated connectivity demonstration

The activity forms part of ESA’s wider Iris programme (Iris SATCOM Global), which primarily targets commercial aviation and is designed to build evidence around trusted communications for the safe integration of aircraft into shared, non‑segregated airspace. Within this context, RPAS represents a specific element contributing to the broader commercial aviation framework.

 

BVLOS operations are critical in remote or hard‑to‑access environments, where aircraft must often carry out precise manoeuvres beyond direct visual control. In these scenarios, safe operations depend on reliable interaction between the aircraft, the remote operator and wider airspace systems, rather than line‑of‑sight oversight alone.

 

This trial focused on observing how new connectivity technologies behave under real flight conditions and how they support the exchange of trusted information with airspace management systems. The objective was to better understand how uncrewed aircraft can be monitored, directed and adapted during flight, including how uncrewed aircraft can be monitored and managed during flight including under more demanding operational conditions.

The recent trial trial focused on observing how new connectivity technologies behave under real flight conditions and how they support the exchange of trusted information with airspace management systems

“UTM integration and resilient network capabilities are core pillars of the ESA Iris RPAS activities- not just operational add-ons,” said Joel Klooster, SVP Aircraft Operations and Safety at Viasat. “Through the Iris RPAS trial, we’re validating how advanced, multilink networks can support real-time interaction, airspace awareness, and continuity of command and control in live operating conditions. The results show an enhanced, interoperable network is foundational for safe, efficient, and scalable UAV operations within managed airspace.”

 

Viasat’s participation builds on its long‑standing collaboration with ESA and its focus on aviation safety. Working alongside TTP and Frequentis, the trial brings together complementary expertise across satellite connectivity, emerging network technologies and airspace integration, helping to build a clearer picture of how BVLOS operations can be safely supported as they move into more challenging environments.

 

This flight trial is one of several activities currently being delivered through the Iris RPAS programme, each exploring different operational scenarios, environments and system interactions. Together, these trials are contributing to a growing evidence base that supports collaboration between industry, regulators and airspace stakeholders as BVLOS operations continue to evolve.

 

Bernhard Kirschner, Solution Architect Integrated Lower Airspace Solutions at Frequentis AG, said: “At Frequentis AG, we focus on enabling the safe integration of uncrewed aircraft into controlled airspace. This Iris RPAS flight trial shows how robust connectivity supports the reliable exchange of safety critical information with UTM systems—an essential foundation for predictable and safe BVLOS operations.” 
 

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 plc is pleased to support the wider effort to enable resilient, scalable and safety-led uncrewed aviation.”

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. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Bluesky  Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.

 

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Frequentis stands for a safer world. Our solutions are used in our customers’ command and control centres to help them make the world safer.

 

Frequentis is a world leader in high-tech solutions for Air Traffic Management, supporting both civil and military air traffic control organisations, as well as Public Safety and Transport, where police, emergency rescue services, fire brigades, railways, coastguards, and port authorities rely on our extensive portfolio.

 

The listed family business based in Vienna, Austria, drives innovative and sustainable solutions for safety and security in everyday life and in the safety-critical sector. Its air traffic optimisation solutions for air traffic control centres are contributing to reducing emissions. 

 

As a global player with more than 2,600 employees (full-time equivalents/FTE), Frequentis has a worldwide network of companies in over 50 countries. Its products, services, and solutions are used in around 150 countries. Shares in Frequentis are traded on the Vienna and Frankfurt stock exchanges; ISIN: ATFREQUENT09, WKN: A2PHG5. In 2025, revenues were EUR 580 million and EBIT was EUR 47 million.

 

For more information, please visit www.frequentis.com

Jennifer McLellan, Global Media Relations Manager

jennifer.mclellan@frequentis.com, +44 2030 050 188

Barbara Fuerchtegott, Head of Communications/Company Spokesperson

barbara.fuerchtegott@frequentis.com, +43 1 81150-4631

Stefan Marin, Head of Investor Relations

stefan.marin@frequentis.com, +43 1 81150-1074

TTP plc, a leading technology and product development services company based in the Cambridge (UK) technology cluster, has delivered cutting-edge innovations for over 35 years. Drawing on deep cross-sector expertise, including extensive work in aerospace, TTP partners with global industry leaders to accelerate science and technology-driven breakthroughs. In the space sector, the company specializes in 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), user terminals and antennas for satellite connectivity (including UAVs), satellite payload systems, aviation communications, and government and defence solutions. TTP’s broad experience spans terrestrial and satellite communication technologies, ranging from system-level architecture to device design, across frequencies from VHF to V-band, and extending to land-based, aeronautical, and space-based platforms, for more information visit: www.ttp.com. TTP’s Gotonomi brand provides compact satellite communication terminals for UAV applications, operating on the Viasat Velaris L-band service. The system integrates satellite and LTE connectivity, onboard computing and GNSS positioning to support resilient command and control links, visit: www.gotonomi.com