FutureFlight
5G Connectivity Advances Set To Expand the Horizons for Autonomous Flight
While enhancing its software platform to support drone operations using low-altitude authorization and notification capability, Skyward is also looking to deliver enhanced autonomous flight capability by tapping 5G cellular networks.
Skyward
Connectivity technology group Skyward is focused on supporting drone operations, like this Censys Technologies Sentaero equipped with a Verizon 4G/LTE link, but also has longer-term ambitions to use the 5G cellular network for wider autonomous flight applications, including eVTOL aircraft. (Photo: Skyward)

Airborne connectivity specialist Skyward this week confirmed that the next generation of the FAA’s low-altitude authorization and notification capability (LAANC) is now live in its drone operations platform. The update introduces authorization requests for nighttime drone flights in controlled airspace, as well as improved airspace grids.

LAANC is a collaboration between the FAA and industry to support the integration of unmanned air systems (UAS) into the U.S. national airspace, giving drone pilots access to controlled airspace at or below 400 feet. Skyward is one of seven FAA-approved LAANC service providers.