MultiLink – Long-Range UAV Operations in Contested Environments

The Challenge

A NATO partner operating a long-range UAV platform faced a critical limitation: communications were constrained to the radio transmission distance of the control link. Beyond line-of-sight, ISR video feeds and C2 became unreliable or were lost entirely. Compounding this, the UAV needed to operate in a contested EW environment, where electronic warfare regularly disrupted traditional systems.

The requirement was clear: extend operational range, ensure resilient multi-bearer connectivity, and deliver real-time intelligence — all in a package that was SWaP-compliant (Size, Weight, and Power) and simple enough to be operated by frontline users.

The Solution

Solace engineered and integrated the MultiLink, designed specifically for SWaP-sensitive platforms. Key features delivered:

Videosoft compression to optimise live video feeds, maximising available bandwidth without loss of clarity.
Failover connectivity across LTE, MANET, and Satcom, ensuring continuous C2 and ISR feeds even under EW disruption.
Edge AI processing for object detection, with near-time operator notifications sent directly from the UAV.
SWaP-optimised design, enabling installation without compromising payload or endurance.
Simple, intuitive UI, reducing training burden and ensuring operators could deploy and manage MultiLink with minimal effort.

This combination provided a plug-and-play capability, extending the UAV’s operational envelope without adding complexity.

Key Results

Extended UAV range: MultiLink overcame line-of-sight limits, enabling missions up to 500 km.

Resilient connectivity: Failover across LTE, MANET, and Satcom ensured continuous C2 and ISR, even under EW disruption.

Edge intelligence: Onboard AI enabled object detection with near-time operator alerts for faster decision-making.

SWaP-optimised and user-friendly: Lightweight, compact design preserved payload and endurance, with an intuitive UI for rapid operator adoption.

Solace Global Link unit

The Outcome

UAV missions extended to 500 km range, with assured real-time video and C2 maintained throughout. Further was possible, but limited by range of the platform.
Resilient in EW environments, overcoming traditional radio link failures.
Rapid decision-making enabled by AI object detection and near-time operator alerts.
SWaP-compliant integration preserved UAV endurance and payload capacity.
Ease of use ensured rapid adoption by operators in the field

The MultiLink proved itself as a game-changing ISR enabler, giving the client long-range reach, assured resilience, and edge intelligence in one streamlined system.

MultiLink – extending range, securing resilience, delivering intelligence.

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