BVLOS Airspace Operation Enabled by 5G/6G Connectivity
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Ericsson AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 957 788 |
| Project duration | April 2026 - March 2028 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Advanced digitalization - Industrial needs-driven innovation |
| Call | Digital infrastructure and communication through advanced digitalization 2026 |
Purpose and goal
Current UAS technology does not yet allow for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight without human observers, as aviation safety based on cellular coverage is not proven. The project will characterize the performance of cellular networks for airborne applications and integrate connectivity performance awareness into airborne operations and mission planning. By demonstrating robust BVLOS operations with industrial platforms in the field, we aim to prove that safe operation is possible.
Expected effects and result
With this project, we want to enable a first company in Sweden, in close dialogue with the Swedish Transport Agency, to demonstrate how flying beyond visual line of sight via mobile connectivity, in accordance with the SORA methodology, can be done safely and that the company receives delegated mission responsibility. This could thereby open up a whole new market for operations with unmanned aviation systems with enormous potential in Sweden as well as throughout Europe.
Planned approach and implementation
The project includes: - Document interesting airborne use cases and their connectivity requirements - Develop measurement equipment suitable for unmanned aviation systems and integrate with VisionAir´s platforms - Conduct in-flight measurements for industrial use cases and analyze the characteristics and performance of mobile connectivity under these conditions - Show how flying beyond visual line of sight can be done safely via mobile connectivity - Document and disseminate the results