Viasat’s Velaris satellite connectivity will be used in Bellwether Industries upcoming eVTOL aircraft model, Oryx.
The companies are in the midst of a two-phase test as part of Viasat’s Velaris Partner Network, with plans to include a test flight schedule at a commercial aerodrome later in the program.
The Velaris service provides secure satellite communications for commercial Urban Air Mobility vehicles, such as Bellwether’s Oryx, to seamlessly integrate with aircraft in commercial airspace. The 300g (0.6 lbs) multi-link terminal installed on the vehicle simultaneously connects to the Viasat network and LTE, enabling operators to access a wide variety of applications, such as real-time monitoring, to enable safe and secure airspace integration (including air traffic services and air traffic flow management).
Vidyut Jacob, Senior Director of Mobility and Strategy at Bellwether Industries, said; “We are taking concrete steps towards the impending test phases for our Volar project. We are poised to execute a meticulous two-step process with our invaluable partner Viasat and launch phase 1 in 2024, in collaboration with CATUAV Test Centre (BCN Drone Center) in Spain.”
“By aligning with partners who are at the forefront of reshaping and advancing the aviation industry, Viasat seeks not only to push the boundaries of technological innovation but also to contribute significantly to the formulation of regulatory norms and connectivity prerequisites that will guide the industry’s trajectory in the foreseeable future,” added Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President, Flight Safety and Uncrewed Aviation, Viasat.
