SkyHopper PRO Lite wireless data-link product

The SkyHopper PRO Lite from Mobilicom is a cybersecure, bi-directional software-defined radio (SDR) data link for unmanned aircraft and other unmanned platforms, a line-of-sight (LOS) link that carries command, telemetry and payload data between a vehicle and its ground station. It is a compact, lightweight member of the SkyHopper datalink family, intended for platforms with strict size, weight and power limits.

The link supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication and reaches up to 5 km in line of sight. For integrators this means one radio can serve a single vehicle and its ground station or a group of nodes, and the network topology depends on the configuration chosen. Beyond line of sight the maker states that the radio also works in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) conditions, including complex urban and industrial environments, where the signal is built to cope with interference and dead spots. A relay mode extends the operating range and overcomes shadowed areas.

On integration, the maker describes the radio as a universal solution for IP payloads that needs no extra integration work and keeps its throughput when several platforms operate in the same environment. It is compatible with a broad range of flight controllers, mission software and payloads, so the same link can be used with different autopilots and ground-station applications. A specification sheet is available from the maker for interface, power and mass data.

Security is a main feature. The product includes ICE cybersecurity protection, which detects, prevents and responds to cyber threats and malicious attacks in real time without operator intervention. The maker states that the product complies with US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements and with the Blue UAS cybersecurity certification, which matters for buyers supplying US government and defence customers.

Typical applications are small and medium unmanned aircraft for security and surveillance, infrastructure inspection, delivery, mining and process industry, public-safety operations and government missions, where a secured command-and-control and payload link with moderate range is required.