A Satellite Backbone for Real-World UAV Missions
RockREMOTE UAV gives UAV builders a predictable, always-available datalink for BVLOS operations, built on Iridium’s truly global L-band constellation. It supports continuous C2 and telemetry, or can sit behind existing LTE, Wi-Fi and RF links as a resilient satellite backhaul when primary networks are unavailable.
You choose how to use the bearer: Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) for lean, message-based BVLOS telemetry and diagnostics; IP for interactive C2, configuration and low rate payload or sensor data; or a hybrid approach tuned per platform and mission profile.
Designed for UAV Infrastructure and Larger Airframes
RockREMOTE UAV delivers this capability in a 182 × 74.5 × 53 mm enclosure, weighing 646 g, with an aluminum casing, IP66 environmental rating and integrated circular connectors. It’s compact enough for typical avionics bays, payload pods and external fairings, and robust enough for permanent installation in ground cabinets, dock housings and vehicle-mounted control stations.
For mechanical and systems engineers, that means no extra environmental housing for the terminal itself: mount the unit, route RF to an Iridium Certus 100-approved antenna using standard cable assemblies, and feed power from a 10-30 V DC or PoE-enabled bus. Low receive power (around 300 mW) and carefully managed transmit duty cycles make it suitable for solar- and battery-backed infrastructure as well as vehicle power systems.
BVLOS Communications and C2
- Iridium Certus 100 midband service for global BVLOS communications, with typical 22 kbps uplink and 88 kbps downlink over IP
- Supports command and control (C2), BVLOS telemetry and tracking for fixed-wing and VTOL UAS, plus docked and remote operations
- IMT messaging for efficient, event-driven telemetry and health monitoring when predictable airtime cost or long endurance is the priority.
Integration with Autopilots, Docks and Ground Systems
- Ethernet and RS-232 / RS-485 interfaces expose a simple IP / IMT datalink to flight controllers, companion computers, dock controllers and ground systems
- LAN / WAN configuration over Bluetooth LE and API support to fit existing C2, fleet management and analytics platforms
- Digital inputs / outputs for integration with doors, relays, power switching and system status indicators in docks and infrastructure.
Rugged, Production-Ready Hardware for UAV Ecosystems
- IP66-rated enclosure, aluminum construction and compliance with CE / FCC / IC requirements for demanding environments
- Supports antenna cable runs from 0.5 m to 9 m, giving freedom to place the terminal inside the structure while optimising antenna location
- Wide operating envelope: -40 °C to +70 °C, <95% RH, suitable for pre-flight staging, hot climates and cold weather test ranges.
Power, SWaP and Efficiency
- 10-30 V DC input or PoE, simplifying integration with UAV power systems, vehicles and remote cabinets
- Sleep power from <36 mW (12 V) / 75 mW (24 V) and typical receive power around 300 mW, enabling low duty cycle and solar powered deployments
- Peak current draw <1.66 A @ 12 V / <0.833 A @ 24 V at approximately 10% duty cycle during Iridium transmit, supporting careful power budgeting in higher end RPAS and ground systems.
Physical & Environmental
- Size (L × W × H): 182.1 × 74.5 × 53 mm
- Weight: 646 g
- Casing: Aluminum, IP66 environmental protection
- Operating temperature: –40 °C to +70 °C, <95% RH
- Vibration rating: Mechanical vibration and shock to SAE J1455 when mounted as instructed
- EMC compliance: CE, FCC & IC (TBC)
- Iridium antenna interface: TNC connector, with cable options from 0.5 m to 9 m
- GNSS antenna interface: SMA connector
Communications
- Satellite bearer: Iridium Certus® 100 midband service
- IP throughput: 22 kbps uplink / 88 kbps downlink (typical)
- Messaging: Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT), data packets from 1 to 100,000 bytes
- GNSS: GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS
Interfaces
- Ethernet: 10/100 Ethernet with PoE capability; 8-pin circular bulkhead connector with 2 m RJ45 cable supplied
- Serial: RS-232 or RS-485 via 12-way I/O cable
- Digital I/O: 2× inputs and 2× outputs (GPIO group isolated from product circuitry)
- Connectors: 12-pin circular (power, serial, I/O); 8-pin circular (Ethernet); TNC (Iridium); SMA (GNSS)
- SIM: Standard 2FF satellite SIM card slot
Electrical & Power
- Input voltage: 10–30 V DC or PoE+
- Sleep power consumption: <36 mW @ 12 V / <75 mW @ 24 V
- Idle / receive power: 300 mW (typical)
- Average transmit power: 7.25 W
- Peak current draw: <1.66 A @ 12 V, <0.833 A @ 24 V (10% duty cycle during Iridium transmit)
RockREMOTE UAV uses Iridium Certus 100 aero service plans, giving you flexibility from low-volume BVLOS telemetry up to higher usage mission profiles. Please note that this aviation-specific airtime is for aircraft weighing more than 22 kg.
There are options from shared data bundles billed annually through to monthly service plans at different data tiers, with transparent overage rates. Your Ground Control contact can help match airtime packages to your target flight hours, link strategy and commercial model.
Cloudloop sits between your ground station, aircraft and control centre as a single control plane for devices, connectivity and data.
It gives you remote device management, diagnostics and health monitoring across every RockREMOTE UAV you deploy, with the same view for RockREMOTE UAV OEM and RockBLOCK modules where you use them alongside.
Cloudloop Data routes IMT and IP traffic into your own C2, fleet management or analytics platforms via REST, MQTT or Webhooks.
Cloudloop Device Manager lets you configure endpoints, push firmware updates and troubleshoot remotely, while Cloudloop Subscription Manager helps you activate, suspend and right-size airtime plans as fleets grow and mission profiles change.
FAQs About RockREMOTE UAV
RockREMOTE UAV is the sealed, IP66-rated Certus 100 terminal for larger airframes and ground systems; RockREMOTE UAV OEM is the embedded module for tight airframes; and RockBLOCK modules provide ultra compact, message only links when full IP is not required.
Many manufacturers standardize on RockREMOTE UAV for infrastructure and higher-SWaP platforms, and use the other form factors where space and weight are more constrained.
It is primarily used in ground infrastructure and larger RPAS, but can be installed onboard airframes with sufficient volume and power budget. The terminal is mounted inside the structure, and RF is routed to a suitable Certus 100 flight antenna. Smaller, SWaP-constrained airframes are usually better served by RockREMOTE UAV OEM or RockBLOCK.
You can connect RockREMOTE UAV directly to a companion computer or network switch over Ethernet, or to a flight controller or dock controller over RS-232 / RS-485. The terminal does not interpret MAVLink or other protocols; it simply transports whatever IP or serial data you send, so your existing stack remains in control of telemetry formatting, routing and payload selection.
Yes. RockREMOTE UAV provides the datalink needed to transport Remote ID and other regulatory telemetry messages as part of your overall system design; the formatting and generation of those messages remain in your avionics and software stack.
Most UAV teams adopt a hybrid model: Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) for routine BVLOS telemetry and health reporting where predictable cost is key, and IP for interactive C2, configuration and occasional payload bursts. RockREMOTE UAV supports both modes on the same hardware, so you can tune the mix by platform, mission type or customer.
Bring Resilient Satcom into Your UAV Design
Tell us what you’re building, from docked inspection fleets and delivery drones to long range RPAS for critical infrastructure and government operations. We’ll help you determine how RockREMOTE UAV fits into your architecture, recommend antennas and airtime, and support your first steps toward scalable BVLOS operations.
If it sounds like it might meet your needs, get in touch. Complete the form on this page, email hello@groundcontrol.com, or call +44 (0) 1452 751940 (Europe, Asia, Africa) or +1.805.783.4600 (North and South America).