Team of military pilots enter consumer drone market, launch UAV control software

FARGO, N.D., 21 May 2015. Botlink in Fargo, North Dakota, introduces the beta release of its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control software on the heels of multiple near-misses between unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, commonly called drones) and manned aircraft, as well as close calls near the White House in Washington.

Botlink is designed to keep users safe and in compliance with FAA regulations while operating drones. The new application, free for users, enables drone operators to control multirotor or fixed-wing UAVs via an easy-to-use interface with real-time Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data overlays showing locations of manned aircraft along with controlled airspace around airports.

Botlink’s founders, a group of military pilots and sensor operators, saw the need to prevent catastrophic airliner accidents and knew they could improve safety. With their experience with military UAV operations, they’re bringing a high level of expertise to the commercial UAV market.

“It’s great to bring this technology to market; we’re hoping to increase situational awareness and simplify regulations for operators,” affirms Botlink CEO Shawn Muehler. The development team is currently working on distributing data from the UAV back to the operator’s device, as well as solutions to allow users to safely fly their drones beyond line of sight, a major issue in the industry, he says.

Botlink is an experienced team of military and professional pilots, software developers, electrical engineers, and communicators on a mission to create the world's safest and most secure drone operations platform, officials say.

Botlink’s cloud-based platform features automated drone control with manual drag-and-drop hand flying from your smart phone or tablet. Control is coupled with real-world safety features to include real-time and near-real-time manned and unmanned aircraft overlays with aircraft avoidance alerts and traffic advisories, as well as airspace advisory warnings on controlled airspace. Airspace within the application features 100 percent regulation compliance and includes temporary flight restrictions, active military operation areas, and restricted airspace.

“With Botlink, not only will you be aware of everything around you, but we keep you fully updated so you can focus on your mission,” says a company spokesperson.