1. Abstract / Summary
Auterion Government Solutions has integrated the Doodle Labs Mini Mesh Rider Radio—configured for dual-band operation on U.S. defense frequency bands—into its Dragon tactical UAV platform. Paired with Auterion’s Skynode S autonomy engine, this integration supports high-throughput, low-latency communications in contested environments while enabling mesh networking across multiple nodes. The result is a compact, scalable solution aligned with the Department of Defense’s push for open architectures and modular interoperability in Group 2 UAVs.
2. Background
Auterion is a recognized leader in open-source operating systems for unmanned systems. Its Dragon platform is a Group 2 small UAS developed to meet defense requirements for ISR, perimeter security, and multi-domain situational awareness. Central to the platform’s value proposition is its open architecture, allowing third-party integrations and rapid deployment in dynamic operational theaters. To uphold these values, Auterion needed a communications system that could keep pace—one that was compact, defense-band compliant, and capable of resilient performance in dynamic mesh environments.
3. The Program or Mission Need
Modern defense missions increasingly require drone platforms that support open standards, deliver robust communications across long distances, and integrate with existing command and control networks without friction. Auterion sought to deliver on this demand with Dragon. Specifically, the program needed a compact radio capable of providing high-throughput telemetry and video, resilient mesh networking, and dual-band operation on U.S. military L and S frequency bands—all within the SWaP constraints of a Group 2 UAV.
4. The Evaluation Landscape
To support the Dragon’s mission profile, Auterion evaluated several radio vendors. Some legacy systems offered strong throughput but were bulky and incompatible with modular autonomy stacks. Newer, compact solutions often lacked field validation or true support for defense frequency bands. In many cases, proprietary architectures limited flexibility, locking users into closed ecosystems that conflicted with the open-standards approach central to both AuterionOS and Skynode S.
5. Selection Criteria
The ideal communications solution for Dragon would need to demonstrate a unique blend of technical capabilities and platform fit. Auterion prioritized support for military-specific L and S frequency bands, as well as out-of-the-box compatibility with Skynode S and PX4. Mesh networking was essential, as was a low SWaP profile that would not compromise flight performance or payload capacity. Beyond technical specs, the system also needed to show field-proven performance and the ability to operate in complex RF environments with high reliability.
6. Why Auterion Chose Doodle Labs
The Doodle Labs Mini Mesh Rider Radio met and exceeded these requirements. It supports dual-band operation (1370–1390 MHz and 2200–2500 MHz), ensuring compliance with U.S. defense frequency allocations. It also natively integrates with Auterion’s Skynode S, enabling seamless configuration through AuterionOS and simplifying both onboard and ground integration. The radio’s extremely compact form factor—less than 30 grams—and its support for dynamic MANET mesh networking made it an optimal match for the Dragon platform.
Additionally, Doodle Labs’ participation in Auterion’s official partner ecosystem provided confidence in roadmap alignment and future collaborative support. The two companies’ shared commitment to open architecture and modularity was a critical factor in the decision.
7. Solution Overview
The Dragon platform now incorporates the Mini Mesh Rider Radio as a key component in its C2 and payload data link architecture. The radio connects to Skynode S via Ethernet and operates in mesh mode, enabling real-time bidirectional data transfer between air and ground nodes.
This setup allows the Dragon to stream HD video, telemetry, and navigation data to ground control stations while maintaining the ability to connect with other UAVs or edge devices in a decentralized mesh. The dual-band capability enhances link resilience and frequency agility, particularly in contested RF environments. Doodle Labs’ Mesh Rider® OS handles automatic link optimization and routing, ensuring low-latency, high-throughput connectivity even during rapid maneuvers or when switching between nodes.
8. Program or Mission Win
The integrated system was successfully demonstrated at a government evaluation event, where the Dragon UAV completed a full mission profile that included autonomous navigation, ISR payload operation, and dynamic handoff between multiple ground control teams. The Mini Mesh Rider Radio enabled uninterrupted high-throughput data links throughout the mission, validating its readiness for deployment in active defense environments.
This successful deployment marks a critical milestone for both Auterion and Doodle Labs, demonstrating the viability of open architecture UAVs operating on DoD-compliant RF bands with real-world performance to match.
9. Platform or System Highlights
The Auterion Skynode S provides the autonomy engine and compute platform for the Dragon. It is MIL-certified and supports PX4 natively. The Doodle Labs radio complements this by delivering dual-band, high-performance wireless connectivity with native mesh networking. The combination enables Dragon to act as both an autonomous ISR platform and a network node within a broader tactical mesh.
The Mini Mesh Rider Radio features:
- Dual-band support (1370–1390 MHz and 2200–2500 MHz)
- Lightweight, ruggedized design (~27 grams)
- Throughput up to 20 Mbps
- Integrated support for MANET mesh via Mesh Rider® OS
10. Performance Validation
Validation tests conducted by Doodle Labs and Auterion confirmed the radio’s performance under operationally realistic conditions. In long-range link testing, the system achieved more than 47 km of stable connectivity at a sustained 2 Mbps video streaming rate. Latency remained below 10 milliseconds across standard mesh configurations. Importantly, the radio maintained stable links despite variable antenna orientations simulating UAV tilt, rotation, and environmental interference.
These results matched or exceeded expectations for both point-to-point and mesh-based operation, affirming the platform’s viability for real-world tactical deployments.
11. Strategic Impact
The integration of Doodle Labs’ dual-band radio into the Dragon platform reflects a broader strategic shift in defense technology procurement—toward open, interoperable, and upgradeable systems. It demonstrates that modern UAVs can achieve high data throughput and long-range, resilient communications without relying on legacy, proprietary hardware. For both companies, the collaboration strengthens their position as key enablers of next-generation defense autonomy and communications architectures.
12. Looking Ahead
Building on this integration, Doodle Labs and Auterion are exploring deeper platform integrations and expanded use cases. Future initiatives include support for AI-driven edge analytics, coordinated mesh swarms across air and ground systems, and unified communications for multi-domain robotic teams. As autonomy and connectivity increasingly converge, this partnership sets a precedent for how modular, high-performance systems can deliver measurable impact in mission-critical defense applications.
