Deep Field Transmission for UAS

United Nations peacekeeping missions are geographically dispersed operations needing close to real-time access to video streaming, video clips and photographs. This data is being collected from UAS operating in countries with limited or no LTE networks where the UN provides satellite communications in lieu. This results in limited capacity such as low bandwidth, high latency and packet losses for data communications. In time-critical environments or in a crisis, the ability to quickly send precise UAV imagery and video to decision makers can have a direct effect on humanitarian and peace operations. Under these conditions, it is also important to let remote experts interact with UAS pilots in the field during flight.

The objective of the UN is to implement the capacity to transmit video and imagery from the fleet of Micro and Mini UAS currently deployed in UN Peace Operations utilising the satellite communications available in the field. This UAS fleet is composed of Micro UAS such as the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise, Mavic 2 Pro, Parrot Anafi and Phantom 4 Pro. UN Missions are equipped with a range of different commercial satellite communication systems such as Turaya, Inmarsat (BGAN) and Iridium. In addition, there also exist proprietary satellite communications and commercial internet capacity in remote regions. The initial focus of the project will be the African and Middle Eastern peace operations.

This Request for Information seeks to identify vendors and technologies that can provide an off the shelf product suite (e.g. hardware, software, licenses, etc.) to enable the transmission of data (images and video) from Micro and Mini UAS during flight or immediately on landing , that are operating in remote areas without any LTE or Wi-Fi networks, via satellite phones, to the Sector, Force and Mission HQ as well as to other parts of the UN. The RFI submission should outline how the technology would work in principle and not be specific to satellite communication system.

Vendors answering this RFI are kindly requested to address the following points:

1. Does the product support the transmission of live streaming, video clips and images captured from UAS during flight? Is it possible to upload and transmit data from remote locations after UAS landing?
2. Describe the typical architecture of the product, its main components, characteristics, configuration and features.
3. Does the product have more than one version? In case yes, explain the different versions, their applications and capacities.
4. Can the images and the video clips be viewed in a web browser? How long after their capture images and video clips are available? Are the images interactive?
5. Can be the video streaming transmitted in almost real time for critical purposes? How does the product cope with networks with limited capability?
6. Please describe the technical requirements that your solution requires from satellite, radio and internet communication links to operate efficiently in the above mentioned geographic zones. E.g. bandwidth requirements, expected latency with the different communication types, etc.
7. Does the product have the capacity to provide interaction between the UAS Pilot and remote viewers (for guidance)?
8. How many users can access remotely to the network and utilise the data?
9. Does the product support the installation of on-premise data servers at any UN location?
10. Is the product modular and scalable?
11. Can the user pull regions of interest from the images?
12. Can be the acquired data be integrated with GIS and mapping systems?
13. Does the product work with Windows or Linux operating systems? Does the product have open interfaces (API, etc.) to integrate with UN applications?
14. How is data security provided and what is its privacy policy? Does the product have any encryption capacity?
15. Please explain the licensing scheme e.g. by users, by servers, by source, etc.
16. Has this product been field deployed? Please mention some reference users if shareable.
17. How long has the product been in the market?
18. How long is the product projection in the market?

Important Note: the UN is not requesting any price information at this time.

Click here to open RFI document