uAvionix has been awarded a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) contract by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to expand C-Band frequency management for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Command and Control (C2) communications across regional operations. This initiative is set to facilitate the simultaneous and harmonious operation of multiple drones within the same airspace, thus advancing the commercial use of UAS in various sectors including medical delivery, emergency response, and consumer services.

Cyriel Kronenburg of uAvionix highlighted the critical need for robust communication links to manage the interference and congestion challenges inherent in unlicensed spectrum channels currently used by many UAS operations. The solution lies in the optimization of licensed spectrum, specifically the C-Band, which offers a regulated and less congested environment essential for reliable drone communications.

Previously, the use of C-Band for UAS C2 required extensive regulatory approval from both the FCC and FAA, making broad application impractical. However, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 has directed an evaluation of this spectrum for drone use, identifying 5030 to 5091 MHz as a viable licensed C-Band range.

uAvionix’s new project involves deploying a Dynamic Frequency Management System (DFMS) to demonstrate effective spectrum allocation among multiple drones using this band. This system will be integrated into the SkyLine Platform, which will dynamically assign and manage frequency usage to ensure deconflicted and reliable communications for various UAS operations within the same region.

This contract represents a step forward in the integration of UAS into the National Airspace System, promoting safer and more efficient operations, particularly for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) activities in complex environments.

Image: uAvionix