Overview
Relay is a long-endurance hybrid hexacopter built to be a sky-based mesh network node. Deployed over a disaster, a tactical operation, or a remote site, Relay extends RF range, provides LTE/5G connectivity, and bridges incompatible radio networks via software-defined radio (SDR) payload. Multiple Relays form a self-healing mesh; pair with Patrol, Recon, or Swarm to extend operating range 3–5×.
Mission Profile
- Tactical communications extension (SOF, federal, public safety)
- Disaster-area emergency cellular (4G/5G) coverage
- Cross-band radio bridging (P25, TETRA, LTE)
- Mesh backbone for Garudeus Swarm and Patrol fleets
- Maritime over-the-horizon comms relay
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Takeoff weight | 6.2 kg |
| Diagonal wheelbase | 920 mm |
| Max flight time | 55 min (battery) / 150 min (hybrid H2) |
| Max horizontal speed | 18 m/s |
| Max wind resistance | Level 7 (17.1 m/s) |
| Service ceiling | 5,500 m MSL |
| Coverage area at 500m AGL | ~10 km radius |
| Operating temp | -25 °C to 50 °C |
| Ingress rating | IP55 |
Payload — Garudeus SkyMesh-1
- Software-defined radio (SDR): 70 MHz – 6 GHz tuning range
- LTE / 5G micro-eNodeB option (band-licensed)
- P25 / TETRA bridging firmware
- Encrypted AES-256 mesh backhaul
- Edge compute: Garudeus DockBrain-Lite for traffic shaping
- Optional EO/IR camera for situational awareness
Propulsion
- 6× brushless 4214 motors, 380 KV, US-wound
- 80A automotive ESCs, US-assembled
- 17” carbon-fiber folding propellers
- Coaxial Y6 hybrid configuration option
Power System
- Battery: 2× Garudeus TB85 Smart Batteries
- Hybrid: optional 2.0 kWh PEM hydrogen fuel cell
- Battery hot-swap; H2 cartridge swap in <60 sec
Flight Controller & Avionics
- Garudeus Atlas-Industrial — triple-redundant STM32H753, US-assembled
- Triple IMU, triple barometer
- Multi-band GNSS with RTK
- AeroLink OS-Relay — autonomous station-keeping, automatic re-position to maintain mesh quality
Communications
- Air-to-ground (operator): Garudeus AeroLink Defense, encrypted AES-256
- Mesh payload: SkyMesh-1 SDR (70 MHz – 6 GHz tunable, see payload section)
- ADS-B In standard
- Iridium SBD failsafe telemetry
Compliance & Certifications
- NDAA Section 848 compliant
- Blue UAS Cleared listing in progress
- FCC / NTIA spectrum coordination required for LTE/5G operation
- FAA Remote ID compliant
- Designed and assembled in Moreno Valley, California
Operating Envelope
Day / night. IP55. -25 °C to +50 °C. BVLOS-capable with waiver. Designed for multi-day rotating deployments.
What’s in the Box
- Relay aircraft
- Garudeus SkyMesh-1 SDR payload
- Garudeus RC-Command operator station, dual 10” displays
- 4× TB85 Smart Batteries
- 2-bay rapid-charging hub
- Pelican 1690 rolling case
- 12 months Garudeus MeshOps cloud subscription
- ADS-B In transponder
Available Accessories
- LTE/5G micro-eNodeB module: $9,999 (spectrum license required)
- P25/TETRA bridge firmware license: $3,999
- Garudeus H2 hybrid kit: $7,999
- EO/IR camera payload add-on: $4,499
- Multi-Relay fleet license (3+): contact gov sales