Flight Tests Demonstrate Real-Time Clarity and Latency Metrics Against RTCA DO-377 Standards
McLean, VA and Grand Forks, ND (January 14, 2026) – AURA Network Systems, in collaboration with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has completed a flight-test report that details the performance of its voice-relay service during beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The report — authored by AURA and sponsored by the FAA as part of its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) program — presents real-time clarity and latency metrics aligned with RTCA DO-377 standards for remote pilot communications.
The tests evaluated AURA’s hybrid voice-relay architecture, which connects remote pilots to ATC via a UHF command-and-control link and legacy VHF systems. Conducted in partnership with NPUASTS under the FAA’s BAA program, the testing assessed AURA’s aviation-grade voice link across multiple BVLOS scenarios. The system was designed to meet the stringent requirements of remote pilot-to-air traffic controller communications, a critical capability for safe BVLOS integration into the National Airspace System.
“This report underscores what we’ve built: a reliable, aviation-grade voice link that delivers clarity, speed, and trust — precisely what remote pilots and air traffic controllers need to operate safely and confidently,” said Kevin Steen, Chief Executive Officer of AURA.
What Was Tested — and Why It Matters
AURA and NPUASTS conducted FAA-funded voice communications testing in Mayville and Buxton, ND, to evaluate the clarity and responsiveness of aviation-grade voice links for uncrewed aircraft operations.
“Clear, reliable voice communications are critical for BVLOS flight,” said Trevor Woods, Executive Director of NPUASTS. “These tests show that AURA’s system delivers — and we’re proud to help advance the technologies that make safe integration possible.”
To assess voice clarity, AURA and NPUASTS applied the Perceptual Objective Listening Quality Analysis (POLQA) standard — a globally recognized method for evaluating how well speech is transmitted over communications networks. POLQA is widely used across aviation, telecom, and emergency services to measure real-world voice quality under dynamic conditions, and in this testing, scores met or exceeded FAA benchmarks across all scenarios, with intelligibility confirmed for both male and female voice samples.
AURA’s network was purpose-built for aviation, using exclusive, licensed spectrum to deliver secure, low-latency communications for crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The FAA-sponsored report documents the system’s ability to convert analog voice to digital and back again — all while meeting stringent latency and intelligibility requirements defined in RTCA DO-377B. Published in December 2023, this updated standard outlines minimum performance requirements for command-and-control (C2) link systems and expands operational concepts to support emerging UAS applications.
The AURA/NPUASTS testing simulated real-world terminal environments, with surrogate pilots and controllers communicating via AURA’s airborne and ground radios, while a team from the University of North Dakota Aerospace conducted independent, rigorous voice quality assessments.
AURA and NPUASTS have also released a short video highlighting the flight tests and technical validation, featuring real-world voice-relay demonstrations and insights from program leaders. The video is available on AURA’s website and NPUASTS’s YouTube channel, and it complements the findings documented in the report.
About AURA Network Systems
AURA is a leading provider of specialized communications services, catering to both crewed and uncrewed aviation markets. Our dedicated team is laser-focused on developing and deploying a comprehensive suite of aviation infrastructure solutions that enhance autonomy and safety within the National Airspace System. From our command-and-control service using exclusive, aviation-dedicated spectrum to our patented spectrum management system, AURA’s private network is designed to enable the commercial viability of emerging aviation technologies while supporting operators in achieving regulatory compliance. Discover more at auranetworksystems.com.
About Northern Plains UAS Test Site
As one of nine FAA-designated UAS Test Sites, the NPUASTS is committed to leading the nation in autonomous technology solutions. Our mission is to innovate, test, and advance these technologies, bringing tangible benefits to communities nationwide. Through high-quality research, commercialization of UAS technologies, and active participation in policy and standards development, the NPUASTS is at the forefront of integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. Visit NPUASTS.com for more information.