Innovative portable solution – skyAlert – audibly alerts UAS operators and visual observers to nearby ADS-B equipped aircraft, enhancing safety and operational awareness.
uAvionix, committed to radically innovating to keep the skies safe for all airspace users, yesterday announced the release of skyAlert, a portable, wearable ADS-B receiver specifically designed for professional Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators and their supporting visual observers. By audibly alerting users whenever an ADS-B equipped aircraft enters a user-configurable proximity zone, skyAlert significantly increases situational awareness and safety, allowing operators to maintain uninterrupted visual contact with their drones.
“skyAlert exemplifies uAvionix’s unwavering dedication to innovation in aviation safety,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer at uAvionix. “By providing immediate audible warnings of nearby ADS-B equipped aircraft, SkyAlert empowers UAS operators and visual observers to remain focused and proactive in maintaining flight safety and compliance.”
Enhancing Operational Safety
Geared toward professional UAS operators in the field, skyAlert addresses the critical need to remain heads-up and alert during flight operations, especially when hand flying near structures and powerlines. The device’s configurable audible alerts immediately inform users of potential intruder conflicts such as low flying helicopters without requiring visual distractions, enhancing both safety and regulatory compliance while keeping eyes on the drone.
Configurable Alert Zone
A key feature of skyAlert is its configurable alert zone, which allows users to set customized altitude and range parameters. Operators can define the distance and vertical separation at which they wish to be alerted, ensuring timely notification tailored specifically to their operational environment and safety needs, allowing the UAS operator to take timely evasive action. This flexibility empowers operators to proactively manage potential airspace conflicts before they become critical during utility inspections, or agricultural and civil engineering operations at low altitude.
Optional EFB Connectivity
For enhanced situational awareness, skyAlert offers integrated connectivity to most common Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications, allowing users or their visual observer to electronically monitor nearby aircraft traffic on a mobile device. This capability uses the industry-standard GDL-90 protocol, providing real-time aircraft position data directly to the operator’s preferred EFB software in addition to providing audible alerts directly to the RPIC. skyAlert is compatible with ForeFlight Mobile, SkyDemon, EasyVFR, FlyQ, Stratus Insight, WingX, AirMate, OzRunways, AvPlan, SkyMap, and others.
Key Features of skyAlert
- Rugged, wearable, portable ADS-B receiver designed specifically for field operations
- Customizable alert parameters for both range and altitude
- Loud audible alerts for immediate aircraft proximity notification in the field
- Dual-band ADS-B reception (1090MHz and 978MHz) for commercial, GA and helicopter traffic
- Compatibility with Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications via the GDL-90 protocol
- 12-hour battery life with convenient USB-C recharging
- Self-contained device, can be used in the field without cellular connections or internet
- Compact (57x82x30mm) and lightweight (200 grams) design
- RAM™ belt or shoulder clip-on mount included for hands-free portability
Diverse Applications and Usage Scenarios
SkyAlert is ideally suited for a variety of operational contexts:
- Shielded drone operations near utility lines, bridge inspections, construction and roof inspections with possible helicopter and GA aircraft encounters, providing a safety net to avoid accidental encounters for UAS pilots who need to focus on their drone or payload during mission-critical commercial drone operations
- Uncrewed Aerial Applicator Systems (UAAS) used in agricultural spraying operations, particularly when operating near manned crop-dusting aircraft
- Drone as a First Responder (DFR) / Emergency Response operators and wildfire fighting operations with mixed crewed and uncrewed aircraft involved in the mission
Availability
SkyAlert will be available for pre-order immediately and will begin shipping in July 2025. For further details, demonstrations, or purchasing information, visit uAvionix at AUVSI Xponential in Houston, booth #3033 or contact uAvionix directly.
About uAvionix
uAvionix is dedicated to advancing aviation safety and efficiency through groundbreaking ADS-B and electronic conspicuity solutions. Recognized globally, uAvionix technologies are trusted by pilots, UAS operators, and aviation authorities worldwide to maintain safe and efficient airspace.
Contact Information
Cyriel Kronenburg
VP of UAS and Aviation Networks
Email: [email protected]