HG endeavors to enable satellite connectivity for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and gliders. This new connectivity, upon regulatory approval and implementation can expand flight ranges from just tens of miles to hundreds of miles — drastically increasing the potential of the technology.

The FAA today only permits UAVs to fly within a drone pilot’s line of sight (1000 feet). This is because effective air traffic control needs real-time Position Location Information (PLI) of the UAV to prevent any collision with other aircraft. Without this information, other aircraft are vulnerable. Unfortunately without real-time PLI, we are stuck with short-range UAV flight, greatly limiting the effectiveness and potential of the UAV technology. With the SatPaq technology, real-time location reports from beyond line of sight expands the productive potential.

With Geostationary (GEO) satellites, we effectively deliver robust, real-time connectivity, enabling beyond line of sight UAV flight. GEO satellites do not move in the sky relative to the earth's rotation, which means that a connection is always available. This steady connection we call IoT Anywhere™. On the other hand, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites cannot do this because they go in and out of connectivity making for an unreliable signal. UAV flight could soon report on the spread of a wildfire, the integrity of a bridge far away, or the condition of a distant power tower. Scenarios like these are often too dangerous for human flight (especially at night) but a perfect opportunity for UAVs. Attach a SatPaq to a UAV with our TrackPod,® and achieve beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight. Soon the productivity potential of UAV flight comes into view.