in Aerospace / Events

Dubai Airshow: Bellwether Industries and Viasat expand partnership

Posted 13 November 2023

Viasat and the UK-based eVTOL startup Bellwether Industries have announced the selection of Viasat’s Velaris satellite connectivity for the upcoming aircraft model, Oryx, officially unveiled today at Dubai Airshow 2023.

Image copyright Bellwether

Partnering closely with Viasat reflects Bellwether's pledge to keep its development plan in high gear. The two 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 programme. The engagement underscores the steadfast dedication to innovation of their partnership.

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) multilink 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, expressed his excitement regarding this announcement: “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.”

This collaboration between Viasat and Bellwether Industries signifies a commitment to advancing the boundaries of innovation and development, heralding a new era in aerospace technology. It is a testament to the productive synergy and shared vision of both organizations, poised to lead the way in redefining the future of flight.

“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,” said Joel Klooster, Senior Vice President, Flight Safety and Uncrewed Aviation, Viasat.

 

 

 

Other Stories
Advertisement
Latest News

Cambridge Sensoriis wins NATEP grant to deliver oDART tech

Cambridge Sensoriis Ltd, a UK company with deep expertise in radar technology, has been awarded a NATEP (National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme) grant to deliver an ultra-lightweight onboard Detection and Avoidance

Babcock wins contract for British Army digital training platform

Babcock has won a contract to provide the British Army with a unique e-learning package that enables soldiers to recognise allied and threat battlefield vehicles and helicopters and gain critical insights into the capabilities of

THEON Sensors sole subcontractor on Elbit USMC SBNVG contract

Elbit Systems of America (Elbit America) has been awarded, through an international tender, a five-year $500 million IDIQ contract for the supply of the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle (SBNVG) to the US Marine Corps (USMC) and (as

Rolls-Royce appoints VeraLinn Jamieson to North American Board

Rolls-Royce has announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. VeraLinn ‘Dash’ Jamieson, USAF (ret) to its Board of Directors for Rolls-Royce North America (RRNA).

C3IA Solutions warns less secure ‘smart’ products flooding the market

According to Poole based cyber-security company C3IA Solutions, there is an increasing risk that popular ‘smart’ products, including some bought as Christmas presents, could leave people and business users vulnerable

MoD urges wildlife enthusiasts to stay safe at Donna Nook

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is urging all wildlife enthusiasts heading to Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, during the seal pupping season, to be vigilant of military debris and unexploded ordnance (UXO).

ODU SK0106300622
See us at
DVD BTSpace Comm Expo BT