Skyward and Federal Aviation Administration to Test Cellular-Connected Drones

Rhea-AI Summary

Skyward, a Verizon company, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the FAA to test cellular-connected drones. The agreement focuses on using cellular communication networks for command and control (C2) within the National Airspace System, particularly for complex operations like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Over the three-year term, both parties aim to develop standards for drone operations utilizing Verizon's reliable 4G LTE network to improve safety and operational capability. This collaboration builds on previous FAA partnerships and is aimed at enhancing drone technology and regulatory frameworks.

Positive

• Strategic collaboration with FAA could lead to improved drone regulations and operational standards.
• Utilization of Verizon's robust 4G LTE network may enhance drone operation capabilities, allowing complex missions.

Negative

• None.

PORTLAND, Ore., June 24, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyward, A Verizon company, has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test cellular-connected drones. This announcement reaffirms that drone technology like the software developed by Skyward is one of the innovations needed to empower cellular-connected drones to unlock complex operations like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), universal traffic management (UTM), and one-to-many operations.

Titled “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)—Cellular Technologies to Support UAS Activities,” the MOA enables Skyward and the FAA to mutually research the capabilities of cellular communication networks for command and control (C2) within the National Airspace System. Partially focused on safety-critical C2 data, the three-year MOA also allows the two groups to propose standards for operations, including BVLOS and over commercial wireless spectrum. Skyward and Verizon will also be using the data and information collected in the course of the MOA to inform its discussions on C2 and BVLOS operations in the FAA's BVLOS Advisory and Rulemaking Committee.

“Cellular-connected drones play a critical role in enabling tomorrow’s safe, reliable, and secure drone operations,” said Matt Fanelli, Director of Strategy and Operations at Skyward, A Verizon company. “We are thrilled to be laying this foundation with the FAA and are confident that our efforts will help inform technical standards from which industry regulations authorizing low-risk BVLOS and one-to-many operations will flow.”

Today, most commercial drones use unlicensed spectrum, which is restricted in range and subject to interference, limiting its use for complex operations. Verizon’s 4G LTE nationwide coverage, provided over spectrum protected from interference, presents an enormous opportunity for drone operations. The MOA will inform regulations regarding spectrum used in the C2 link between the drone operator and drone. The MOA will also facilitate information sharing between the FAA and Skyward, leveraging Verizon’s wireless network expertise, as the parties continue to explore how wireless networks can support drone operations.

The MOA is inspired by the previous industry collaborations with the FAA but is intended to address complex UAS operations through joint data collection and analysis. The agreement also follows Skyward’s announced emergency waiver to inspect critical communications infrastructure near the Big Hollow wildfire in Washington in September 2020. The industry’s first known fully remote BVLOS operation with no pilot or visual observer on site demonstrated a low-risk operation as well as a need for analyzing and sharing fully remote data with standard bodies and the FAA.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Jess Moody
jess@skyward.io
907-602-3313

FAQ

What is the purpose of the MOA signed between Skyward and the FAA?

The MOA aims to test cellular-connected drones and develop standards for complex operations like BVLOS.

How long is the agreement between Skyward and the FAA?

The agreement is for three years.

What benefits does Verizon's network provide for drone operations?

Verizon's 4G LTE network offers reliable connectivity, enabling safer and more complex drone operations.

What role do cellular-connected drones play according to the press release?

They are critical for future safe and reliable drone operations, facilitating advanced tasks.

How does the MOA enhance data sharing between Skyward and the FAA?

The MOA facilitates mutual research and data collection to inform regulations and standards.