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Introduction
Sphere Drones reported that their Curo HubX (HubX) drone platform, equipped with ASX-listed Elsight’s (ELS) connection confidence Halo technology, maintained drones in the air during the November 8 Optus outage by using Elsight’s technology which seamlessly switched carriers when the Optus service failed. A ccontinuous link to a communication system is key in flying Beyond the Visual Line of Sight missions to maintain contact in the event that drones meet obstacles or unexpected weather conditions requiring immediate navigation updates, rerouting instructions, and guidance to avoid potential hazards during the flight.
FAQs
1. What is Elsight’s Halo platform, and how does it maintain connectivity for drones?
Halo is a multilink connectivity platform designed for BVLOS drone and autonomous operations. It aggregates multiple communication technologies, including LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, mesh, and satellite links, into a single resilient communication layer. The platform continuously monitors network quality and dynamically reroutes traffic through the best available links to maintain uninterrupted command and control, telemetry, and video transmission.
2. How did Halo perform during the November 8 Optus outage, and what does that mean for operators?
During the Optus outage, Halo maintained operational drone connectivity by automatically shifting communications to alternative available networks. Halo performance during the Optus outage demonstrated the operational value of multilink connectivity for drone operators, helping improve safety, reduce downtime, and minimize mission interruptions and operational risk when individual carriers or networks fail unexpectedly.
3. Which drone platforms and carriers are compatible with Halo?
alo is designed as a carrier-agnostic connectivity platform compatible with a wide range of UAV systems and autonomous platforms, including Sphere’s Curo HubX drone platform. The platform can operate across multiple public and private cellular carriers, as well as RF and satellite communication systems, depending on deployment requirements.
4. Can Halo support BVLOS operations and help meet regulatory requirements like Remote ID?
Yes. Halo can support BVLOS operations by providing resilient command and control, telemetry, and communications continuity, which are commonly evaluated in BVLOS approvals. It can also support Remote ID-related connectivity workflows and broader UTM or autonomous operations; final regulatory approval depends on the overall system, operating concept, aircraft configuration, and applicable jurisdictional rules.
5. What are the integration, hardware, and service requirements (installation, latency, coverage, pricing)?
Halo is designed with low SWaP requirements and supports integration via standard Ethernet, serial, UART, and IP-based interfaces. Deployment options include airborne, portable, mobile, and stationary configurations depending on mission requirements. Actual latency, coverage, and pricing depend on network conditions, carrier selection, geography, and deployment architecture. Elsight and its partners also provide integration assistance, technical support, operational optimization, and deployment services.
