Communications and ground control stations for drones and eVTOL

Communications for drones and eVTOL: links, visibility and ground control

Updated November 3, 2026

A drone is only as useful as its connection to the ground. The communications system carries command and control (C2), telemetry and payload data, makes the vehicle visible to other airspace users, and connects it to the station from which the flight is planned and supervised.

The parts of the system

Part	Role	Subcategory
Line-of-sight links	C2, telemetry and video within radio range	LOS data links
Beyond line-of-sight links	Connectivity over satellite or cellular networks	BLOS and satcom
ADS-B and transponders	Visibility to air traffic and identification	ADS-B transponders
Tracking antennas	Extend the range of LOS links	Tracking antennas
Ground control stations	Plan, fly and monitor the mission	Control stations

What to compare

Range and data rate, and how the link degrades with distance and interference.
Latency, critical for manual control and video.
Frequency bands and their regulatory status in the countries of operation.
Encryption and anti-jamming features.
Redundancy: a primary and a back-up C2 link, often on different technologies.
Size, weight and power on board, and the ground equipment needed.

Regulators require a reliable C2 link for any operation, and its performance becomes part of the safety case for BVLOS flights. Detect and avoid is covered under avionics.

Frequently asked questions

What is a C2 link?

The command and control link between the remote pilot or ground station and the aircraft, used to send commands and receive the vehicle status. Its reliability is a core part of any drone safety case.

Can a drone use several links at once?

Yes. Professional systems often combine a line-of-sight radio with a satellite or cellular link, switching automatically if the primary link is lost.

Why do drones need ADS-B?

ADS-B broadcasts the aircraft position so that air traffic control and other aircraft can see it, and ADS-B In lets the drone see equipped traffic. Some airspace and operations require it.