Fjord7

Fjord7 is a German company that makes RadioCtrl, a Radio over IP system for VHF airband voice calls from drones and airports.

RadioCtrl lets a user talk by air-to-air and air-to-ground radio from anywhere. The voice goes directly out over VHF from the point of operation, so distance does not limit safety. The company says communication must stay secure, reliable and compliant wherever the user is.

On a drone, RadioCtrl allows remote pilots to speak directly with air traffic control and other airspace users. It works with existing command and control links and with datalinks, cellular or satellite connections. This supports safe airspace integration and compliant remote pilot operations. Fjord7 says RadioCtrl is the first ATC-approved communication system for BVLOS operations in unsegregated airspace. It supports standard radiotelephony procedures and adds situational awareness in both controlled and uncontrolled areas.

At airports and helidecks, RadioCtrl lets operators control their VHF radio from a remote place at any time. This helps after hours, at changing offshore sites and in contingency cases. Fjord7 says it extends a tower without adding infrastructure.

The hardware is a DO-160 qualified kit. It includes a TSO-certified VHF transceiver under ETSO-2C169a and ETSO-2C128. The interface offers standard aviation actions, replay of the last received calls, a frequency look-up with channel names and separate volumes for primary and secondary channels. It can also warn air traffic control and nearby traffic when the drone loses its command link by using squawk code 7400.

RadioCtrl is built to fit into professional ground control stations. It may help with air risk reduction in SORA-based BVLOS plans, but it does not replace detect and avoid systems. Fjord7 also offers in-house hardware and software development for special needs.

Services

• RadioCtrl Radio over IP system
• UAV VHF airband communication
• Airport remote radio control
• Helideck remote radio control
• Hardware and software development