UAvionix and VOTIX integrate FlightLine ADS-B to boost drone-as-first-responder operations
The partnership aims to bring aviation-grade traffic surveillance into everyday drone operations, strengthening safety and reliability for first responders and emerging air mobility
UAvionix and VOTIX have announced the integration of uAvionix’s FlightLine Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data service into the VOTIX drone automation platform, a move they say will significantly enhance situational awareness and safety in drone-as-first-responder (DFR) and advanced air mobility (AAM) missions.
FlightLine provides validated ADS-B track data from a network of dual-band receivers, capturing low-altitude traffic from crewed aircraft on both 978MHz and 1090MHz frequencies. By incorporating this low-latency data feed, the VOTIX platform can now deliver early conflict detection, real-time alerts, and improved operational efficiency – capabilities seen as vital for emergency response where every second counts.
“This integration represents a significant leap forward in supporting public safety and emergency services, and other mission-critical operations, through our advanced enterprise drone operations platform,” said Edwin Sanchez, VOTIX’s Founder and CEO.
UAvionix emphasized the safety case behind the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with VOTIX to deliver aviation-grade detect and avoid (DAA) data directly into their platform,” said Thomas Jimenez, Director of UAS Enterprise Sales at uAvionix. “As the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry moves toward expanded beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations at scale, reliable traffic surveillance data is vital. FlightLine – the same feed deployed at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) facilities – provides a safety-case backbone for mission-critical DFR operations.”
The companies said the partnership underscores their shared commitment to safer and more efficient low-altitude airspace, while aligning with the FAA’s recently published BVLOS notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), which aims to establish a framework for expanded drone operations in the USA.
Last year, the FAA awarded a contract to uAvionix to advance the commercial use of UAS in the National Airspace System.
Chloe Fox
Chloe Fox is an Senior Editorial Assistant for Voyageur Group, joining in 2024. She writes for AirMed&Rescue and ITIJ, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision, and air medical transportation. Chloe holds a BA (Hons) in English and an MA in English Literature from the University of Bristol.