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Gogo Special Missions enhances naval UAS connectivity
U.S. firm Gogo Special Missions is showcasing a capability designed to enhance naval operations across vast areas: the integration of its Galileo HDX satellite connectivity solution on Insitu’s Integrator tactical unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This solution enables the vehicle to maintain a high-speed, low-latency link with operators beyond the range of traditional radio links.
- Gogo Special Missions and Insitu finalise the integration of a new high-speed satellite connectivity solution.
- The Gogo Galileo HDX antenna provides global high-speed connectivity for the Integrator UAS.
© Gogo Special Missions
For a maritime surveillance UAS, simply seeing far is no longer enough. Above all, it must be able to quickly transmit the data it collects and receive instructions to adapt the mission. This is the reason for installing the Gogo Galileo HDX solution on the Integrator, a tactical UAS developed by U.S. firm Insitu for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
Using the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation, the system provides a high-speed, low-latency satellite link for both command and control (C2) and data transmission from the vehicle’s sensors. “Connectivity does not make decisions in place of the crew; it ensures that useful intelligence does not remain on board the aircraft or arrive once the situation has changed,” observes Ben Massey, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Gogo Special Missions.
Gogo also underlines the ITAR-free nature of its solution, which can facilitate its deployment in certain international programmes subject to U.S. regulations on defence equipment. However, the applicable export rules and authorisations must still be examined on a case-by-case basis depending on the client and the mission.
Capability tailored to UAS constraints
Originally designed for business aviation, the Galileo HDX has been adapted to the much tighter constraints of a UAS in terms of weight, size and available power. Together with Insitu, Gogo’s teams have developed a compact configuration, designed to facilitate maintenance.
Implementation and testing on the Integrator are now complete. The use of a low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation ensures extended coverage, particularly at high latitudes, where geostationary networks may face greater limitations. The benefit is particularly significant when the Integrator is operating from a small vessel or moving between several operational areas: the vehicle can remain connected to the entire mission team without relying on a nearby control station.
Connecting the various autonomous systems
Gogo sees this development as part of a wider transformation of naval operations, where UASs, uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) may be deployed in the same area to carry out different missions. The effectiveness of these systems also depends on their ability to share data with ships and command centres.
“The operational value becomes apparent when observations can be shared and evaluated together, in order to gain a more complete picture and direct the appropriate system to the next task,” Ben Massey explains. Connectivity thus becomes an essential link in this operational architecture, on a par with sensors, control systems and data-processing capabilities.
Network-independent approach
Gogo offers an approach combining on-board equipment, satellite connectivity and long-term support. The company positions itself as independent of satellite networks and can therefore tailor the combination of hardware and services to the customer’s area of operation, data requirements and resilience needs. Products are backed by Gogo’s expertise in military and government aviation, as well as multilingual support available 24/7.
For the coming years, the company has identified three priorities: making high-performance satellite connectivity solutions accessible on other UASs, facilitating the use of multiple communication channels and improving the secure sharing of mission data.
Gogo signs contract worth over $15m with international government customer
Under this renewed contract, worth over $15m (over €13m), Gogo will provide global connectivity for this undisclosed government customer. The company will provide GEO satellite connectivity to ensure reliable and secure in-flight communications for senior government officials, including in regions where LEO satellite services are subject to restrictions (notably in Russia, China and India). The contract renewal is based on Gogo’s expertise in key areas such as cybersecurity, data protection and operational support.
- Linda Verhaeghe
