There’s no question about the usefulness of drones in emergency situations. Law enforcement utilizes drones to survey public areas, investigate bomb threats, and generally provide support in many conditions. Drones are even utilized during natural disasters to provide medical kits and scan areas for any citizens in need of assistance. Drones are also finding increased use in inspections because they are able to provide detailed views of hard-to-reach locations.
Catering to the growing demand for high-use applications, such as commercial inspections, disaster relief and defense intelligence or loitering drones, Mobilicom broadened its SkyHopper range. The provider of cybersecurity and smart solutions for drones, robotics and autonomous platforms launched a new micro bi-directional data link specifically designed to enable mass deployment of small drone fleets – the SkyHopper Micro.
The SkyHopper Micro was designed in collaboration with small-drone Tier-1 manufacturers, which confirmed the immediate need for a micro communications system, according to Mobilicom CEO Oren Elkayam.
SkyHopper Micro complies with the NDAA and leverages Mobilicom’s wireless technology to deliver long range bi-directional communications and real-time HD video up to 5 kilometers. The data link’s N-LOS communication provides a robust radio signal, while combating interferences and overcoming dead spots.
Mobilicom’s new data link is also equipped with Mobilicom’s ICE cybersecurity software. ICE cybersecurity detects, prevents and responds to multiple cyber threats and malicious attacks in real-time without the need for operator intervention. The multifaceted and multi-tier software protects platforms and safeguards communication channels. The secure communications system also features an advanced proprietary encryption mechanism and is compatible with a wide range of flight controllers, mission software and payloads.
Additionally, being assembled at the printed circuit board eliminates the need for extra power and data cables and improves quality and manufacturing yield.
“We’ve designed the SkyHopper Micro to be assembled at the printed circuit board, significantly reducing the overall drone cost for our customers by dramatically decreasing drone assembly time,” said Elkayam.
SkyHopper Micro’s miniature size and weight is ideal for high-use applications and mass deployment of small drone fleets, many of which are single missions and require frequent replacement.