BVLOS VHF Communications
FOR UNCREWED AIRCRAFT
Beyond-Line-of-Sight Radio Communications for Uncrewed Aircraft
SyTech nPoint connects the VHF or tactical radio onboard an uncrewed aircraft to the remote pilot over Starlink, cellular, satellite, mesh, or other IP networks.
The nPoint system allows the remote pilot to transmit and receive through the aircraft’s onboard radio, communicate with air traffic control and nearby aircraft, and remotely change frequencies when supported by the integrated radio. The remote pilot can communicate through the aircraft’s radio from any location, regardless of the distance between the pilot and the aircraft.
Connect the Remote Pilot to the Airborne Radio
The nPoint connects directly to the aircraft’s onboard radio and transports audio and control data across the aircraft’s available IP connection. At the remote pilot location, the RADIUS Client provides push-to-talk, received audio, radio status, and supported radio controls.
The pilot may operate from a ground control station, command center, vehicle, or other authorized location. As long as a suitable IP connection exists between the aircraft and the RADIUS network, the pilot can access the airborne radio.
Control the Airborne Radio from Any Location
The nPoint system pairs the AirCom AC-1 VHF airband radio with the RADIUS Virtual Control Head. From the RADIUS Client, the remote pilot can operate the AC-1 installed onboard the aircraft from any authorized location with network access.
Available controls include:
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Active and standby frequency selection
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Standby-to-active frequency transfer
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Dual-watch operation
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Volume and squelch adjustment
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Remote push-to-talk
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Radio status monitoring
When air traffic control directs a frequency change, the remote pilot can enter the new frequency and control the AC-1 without physical access to the aircraft. The image below shows the AC-1 Virtual Control Head within the SyTech RADIUS Client.
Support for Additional Radios
RADIUS also provides Virtual Control Heads for select tactical radios, including the L3Harris AN/PRC-160. Available functions depend on the radio model and interface.
The SyTech nPoint
The SyTech nPoint is a compact radio interface installed onboard the aircraft. It connects directly to the AC-1 radio’s auxiliary port, providing two-way transmit and receive functionality as well as remote radio control. The nPoint operates on 5 VDC with a power draw of approximately 300–600 mA. The combined weight of the nPoint and AC-1 is approximately 0.8 lb., making the system well suited for aircraft with limited size, weight, and power capacity.
The nPoint captures and digitizes radio audio using an onboard Linux processor. The audio is encoded and transmitted efficiently across the aircraft’s available IP connection, including Starlink, cellular, satellite, or tactical mesh networks. Audio from the remote pilot travels through the same network to the nPoint. The nPoint activates the AC-1 transmitter and delivers the remote pilot's audio through the aircraft radio. SyTech’s audio processing delivers clear, smooth communications in both directions—from the remote pilot to the aircraft and from air traffic control or nearby aircraft back to the remote pilot.
Flexible Deployment Options
The nPoint contains its own Linux processor and does not require a separate computer onboard the aircraft. At the remote pilot location, the RADIUS Client operates on a Windows workstation and provides access to the airborne radio.
The RADIUS Distribution Service manages communications between the nPoint and the remote pilot. Depending on the operational environment, it can be:
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Hosted by SyTech
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Installed on a customer-controlled Linux server
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Deployed at a ground control station or command center
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Operated within a private mission network without public internet access
Evaluate the Complete nPoint System
The nPoint Evaluation Package provides a complete system for bench testing, network testing, aircraft integration, and initial flight evaluation. The customer retains all equipment included with the package.
nPoint Evaluation Package: $4,995
The package includes:
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SyTech nPoint airborne radio interface
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AirCom AC-1 VHF airband radio
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AC-1 physical control head
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RADIUS Client with AC-1 Virtual Control Head
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Six months of hosted RADIUS Distribution Service access
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VHF airband antenna for ground evaluation
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Coaxial cable and radio connector
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Required interface cables
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Bench-test power supply
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Remote system configuration
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Technical demonstration and operator orientation
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Evaluation support from SyTech
The evaluation package allows your team to test two-way voice communications, remote push-to-talk, frequency selection, frequency transfer, dual-watch operation, and performance across your available IP network.
From Evaluation to Deployment
Production pricing depends on the scope of the mission, number of aircraft, number of remote pilot workstations, Distribution Service deployment, aircraft integration requirements, and level of technical support.
During the evaluation, SyTech will work with your team to define the operational architecture and prepare a production deployment proposal. The full $4,995 evaluation cost will be credited toward the first production deployment ordered within six months.
Aircraft Integration
The included antenna and coaxial cable are intended for ground and bench evaluation. The aircraft integrator is responsible for the antenna, RF cabling, mounting hardware, and installation used onboard the aircraft. Aircraft-specific equipment, onsite support, travel, airworthiness activities, and custom radio integrations are quoted separately.
