Gogo and Insitu test satellite link for military drone

Gogo Special Missions and Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary, have completed a test of a satellite communications system integrated into the Integrator unmanned aircraft. The antenna, a Gogo Galileo HDX unit, was adapted in size and weight to suit the Group 3 drone.

The system carries data over the OneWeb satellite network operated by Eutelsat. According to the companies, it is intended to improve both control of the drone and the transmission of sensor data over longer distances.

The tests were carried out in September together with FLARES, a vertical take-off and landing system. The companies said the solution requires no modifications to the aircraft itself.

Neither the companies nor the source gave further detail on the scope of the trials or on when the system might enter service.