Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
FAA Contracts Aura to Test Uncrewed Aircraft Integration
Air traffic control voice relay tests will evaluate sound quality and latency
Aura Network Systems infographic
This infographic details the various aspects of Aura's commercial network, which is designed to enable remotely piloted flight operations in controlled airspace. © Aura Network Systems

The FAA has contracted Aura Network Systems to demonstrate and validate the voice-relay capabilities it is developing for pilots remotely operating uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) to effectively communicate with air traffic controllers.

Aura received the award via the FAA’s Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) program, which provides matching funds to companies seeking to test technologies the agency deems “essential” for UAS to safely integrate with the National Airspace System. Recipient companies have the opportunity to work at one of seven FAA-designated UAS test sites.