British Transport Police Lead the Way with UK’s First Remote ‘Drone in a Box’ System
The British Transport Police (BTP) has become the first police force in the UK to operationalize a remote ‘drone in a box’ system, marking a significant advancement in law enforcement technology. This innovative capability enhances BTP’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents on the railway network, improving safety, reducing disruption, and supporting frontline operations as they happen.
The drones are strategically stationed at key locations across the network identified as hotspots for trespass and other disruptive incidents. They are flown remotely from BTP’s central control room in London, enabling a faster response to incidents, facilitating more informed decision-making, and freeing up on-the-ground officers to attend to other offences.
While standard drone operations typically require the pilot to maintain a Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), usually within a 500-metre radius for smaller drones, police forces are permitted to operate beyond this distance (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) under State Aircraft legislation. BTP is the first force to obtain legal advice and use Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) routinely and regularly in support of policing, rather than solely for emergency situations.
The initiative was showcased during a launch event on April 24, 2025, at a pilot site in Leeds. The event featured a live demonstration of the drone capability for key industry partners, including Network Rail, the Department for Transport, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Drones lead, West Yorkshire Police, Northern Rail, and the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) .
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi stated, “Our new ‘drone in a box’ capability is going to be transformational to our ability to reduce disruption across the rail network. This is groundbreaking technology which will allow us to respond to trespass incidents quickly, saving the industry money, improving safety, and keeping the railway moving for passengers”.
This deployment sets a precedent for the integration of autonomous drone technology in public safety operations, potentially influencing future policing strategies across the UK.
CAA: Airspace Modernisation – Ground Infrastructure Survey open
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched the Airspace Modernisation: Ground Infrastructure Survey to gather industry insights on enhancing ground-based surveillance and communication systems. This initiative aims to support the safe integration of uncrewed aircraft operations, particularly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), into the UK’s airspace.
Key Focus Areas:
Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B): Evaluating the use and certification standards of ADS-B receivers and transceivers.
Flight Information Displays (FIDs): Understanding their applications and appropriate certification requirements.
Multilateration (MLAT) Solutions: Assessing current implementations and future needs.
Non-Cooperative Detection Systems: Exploring technologies like radar, optical (EO/IR), acoustic, and radio frequency methods for drone detection and geolocation.
Traffic and Flight Information Services Broadcast (TIS-B and FIS-B): Reviewing use cases, technical standards, and safety assurances.
Obstruction Beacons: Identifying requirements for marking and lighting obstacles to aviation.
Participation Benefits:
Influence Policy: Contribute to shaping future regulations and guidance in airspace infrastructure.
Stay Informed: Engage in discussions on the evolution of ground infrastructure in the UK.
Collaborate with Regulators: Express interest in upcoming workshops and projects.
The CAA is particularly interested in feedback from UAV operators, Air Navigation Service Providers, industry bodies, aerodrome operators, and drone operators. Additionally, organizations specializing in connectivity solutions and data encryption are encouraged to participate.
The Unsung Advantage – Non-Technical Skills – WATCH AGAIN
Highlighting the criticality of developing Non-Technical Skills (NTS), that is Human Factors and Crew Resource Management, for uncrewed teams and operators. Uncovering why the requirement for optimised NTS within the uncrewed sphere is not only as vital as for crewed flight, but also introduces new demands, not experienced in the traditional cockpit environment. Join us for this webinar with Chris Davies of Volaria Performance.
Who is this webinar for? RAEs, the Defence Sector, Companies interested in or already operating BVLOS, and Larger Drone Service Operating Companies with Teams of Pilots. It still remains beneficial for all drone service operating companies to watch.
Speaker Bios:
Chris Davies, Director, Volaria Performance.
Chris is an experienced military and civilian aviator and leader within both Rotary- and Fixed-Wing environments. A specialist in the field of HF/CRM, he also has extensive experience within the uncrewed sector and is thus uniquely placed to assist teams in navigating the increasingly demanding challenges faced in such operations.
Protected: ONLINE EVENT: REGISTER for UK SORA – ARPAS-UK Members Update and Q&As – 6 June
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DRONE CLASS MARKING ON ITS WAY TO THE UK. CAA Review of UK UAS Regulations Consultation Reply Document.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published CAP3105, “Review of UK Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations: Consultation Reply Document.” This document outlines the CAA’s final policy recommendations following a comprehensive review of the UK’s UAS regulations, initiated in 2023 and sponsored by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Key Objectives
The review aimed to:
Simplify the existing regulatory framework for UAS operations.
Enhance education and awareness among UAS users.
Improve safety and security measures.
Support the UAS sector’s transition to updated regulations.
Consultation Process
The CAA engaged with stakeholders through the CAP2610 consultation, published on 22 November 2023. Feedback was reviewed in collaboration with the DfT, Home Office, and Police to inform the final policy recommendations.
Policy Recommendations
The CAA’s recommendations focus on:
Implementing UK-specific class marking to facilitate innovative UAS use cases.
Ensuring a smooth transition for operators to the new regulatory framework.
Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining safety and security standards.
Allowing continued use of existing UAS devices where feasible.
Next Steps
The CAA will submit its formal opinion to the DfT, which will decide on implementing the proposed changes. If adopted, the changes will be enacted through a statutory instrument, with the timeline determined by the DfT. The CAA will collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure effective implementation across the public sector.
uAvionix Launches skyAlert: Wearable Aircraft Alerting Device for UAS Operators and Visual Observers
Innovative portable solution – skyAlert – audibly alerts UAS operators and visual observers to nearby ADS-B equipped aircraft, enhancing safety and operational awareness.
uAvionix, committed to radically innovating to keep the skies safe for all airspace users, yesterday announced the release of skyAlert, a portable, wearable ADS-B receiver specifically designed for professional Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators and their supporting visual observers. By audibly alerting users whenever an ADS-B equipped aircraft enters a user-configurable proximity zone, skyAlert significantly increases situational awareness and safety, allowing operators to maintain uninterrupted visual contact with their drones.
“skyAlert exemplifies uAvionix’s unwavering dedication to innovation in aviation safety,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer at uAvionix. “By providing immediate audible warnings of nearby ADS-B equipped aircraft, SkyAlert empowers UAS operators and visual observers to remain focused and proactive in maintaining flight safety and compliance.”
Enhancing Operational Safety
Geared toward professional UAS operators in the field, skyAlert addresses the critical need to remain heads-up and alert during flight operations, especially when hand flying near structures and powerlines. The device’s configurable audible alerts immediately inform users of potential intruder conflicts such as low flying helicopters without requiring visual distractions, enhancing both safety and regulatory compliance while keeping eyes on the drone.
Configurable Alert Zone
A key feature of skyAlert is its configurable alert zone, which allows users to set customized altitude and range parameters. Operators can define the distance and vertical separation at which they wish to be alerted, ensuring timely notification tailored specifically to their operational environment and safety needs, allowing the UAS operator to take timely evasive action. This flexibility empowers operators to proactively manage potential airspace conflicts before they become critical during utility inspections, or agricultural and civil engineering operations at low altitude.
Optional EFB Connectivity
For enhanced situational awareness, skyAlert offers integrated connectivity to most common Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications, allowing users or their visual observer to electronically monitor nearby aircraft traffic on a mobile device. This capability uses the industry-standard GDL-90 protocol, providing real-time aircraft position data directly to the operator’s preferred EFB software in addition to providing audible alerts directly to the RPIC. skyAlert is compatible with ForeFlight Mobile, SkyDemon, EasyVFR, FlyQ, Stratus Insight, WingX, AirMate, OzRunways, AvPlan, SkyMap, and others.
Key Features of skyAlert
Rugged, wearable, portable ADS-B receiver designed specifically for field operations
Customizable alert parameters for both range and altitude
Loud audible alerts for immediate aircraft proximity notification in the field
Dual-band ADS-B reception (1090MHz and 978MHz) for commercial, GA and helicopter traffic
Compatibility with Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) applications via the GDL-90 protocol
12-hour battery life with convenient USB-C recharging
Self-contained device, can be used in the field without cellular connections or internet
Compact (57x82x30mm) and lightweight (200 grams) design
RAM™ belt or shoulder clip-on mount included for hands-free portability
Diverse Applications and Usage Scenarios
SkyAlert is ideally suited for a variety of operational contexts:
Shielded drone operations near utility lines, bridge inspections, construction and roof inspections with possible helicopter and GA aircraft encounters, providing a safety net to avoid accidental encounters for UAS pilots who need to focus on their drone or payload during mission-critical commercial drone operations
Uncrewed Aerial Applicator Systems (UAAS) used in agricultural spraying operations, particularly when operating near manned crop-dusting aircraft
Drone as a First Responder (DFR) / Emergency Response operators and wildfire fighting operations with mixed crewed and uncrewed aircraft involved in the mission
Availability
SkyAlert will be available for pre-order immediately and will begin shipping in July 2025. For further details, demonstrations, or purchasing information, visit uAvionix at AUVSI Xponential in Houston, booth #3033 or contact uAvionix directly.
About uAvionix
uAvionix is dedicated to advancing aviation safety and efficiency through groundbreaking ADS-B and electronic conspicuity solutions. Recognized globally, uAvionix technologies are trusted by pilots, UAS operators, and aviation authorities worldwide to maintain safe and efficient airspace.
Contact Information
Cyriel Kronenburg VP of UAS and Aviation Networks Email: [email protected]
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Protected: ARPAS-UK Annual Conference 2025: A Review
Bird & Bird’s UAS Roundtable provides a forum for those working in the UAS industry to network in an informal environment, explore industry trends and exchange views on matters of common interest.
Discussion 1 – African Drone Industry Perspectives
We frequently hear how many of the more ambitious BVLOS drone operations are now taking place in the developing world. It is therefore a great pleasure that Jonty Slater, Co-Chair of the African Drone Forum, has agreed to lead a discussion around his perspectives of drone operations in Africa. Can these operations scale beyond trials, and if so do they have lessons for the UK or other first world territories, given the gap between African use cases and western regulatory environments? Are there lessons to be drawn from the scale of drone industry employment in China.
Discussion 2: Artificial Intelligence
Following the last Round Table’s discussion on the EU Data Act and its application to connected vehicles, we cannot ignore AI and its application to robotic technology and autonomous technology. Will Bryson, Senior Associate in Bird & Bird’s Tech Transactions team in London, will brief delegates on the commercial and legal considerations surrounding the development, deployment, and sourcing of AI systems, including the complexities for contracting for AI.
Excited to welcome Craig Lippett and Amanda Smith at ARPAS-UK’s Board and Advisory Board.
Graham Brown stepped down as Chair of ARPAS-UK but remains a Director, focusing on Education and Careers in Drones.
Cranfield University provided an excellent venue to hold the ARPAS-UK AGM and Annual Conference – and they even came through on the weather. What a sun-filled, glorious day! We extend our thanks to Professor Braithwaite’s Team and Alex Williamson for all their help and support.
Evolution of the Board of Directors
The AGM covered Association business.
We thank Chris Daniels of FlareBright for his time and support as a Director as he steps down as Director but remains engaged with the organisation as part of the Advisory Board.
Aleks Kowalski stepped down by rotation and was re-elected as a Director.
In addition, members elected Craig Lippett, of Eagle Eye Innovations, as a Director. Craig will focus on Policy and Regulation.
Craig stated, ‘I’m delighted to be appointed as a Director of ARPAS-UK for the coming year. I look forward to bringing my drone sector experience, knowledge and network to bear in addressing the key questions and challenges facing our members in the various drone use cases they seek to deliver and expand in the future. The focus naturally is on the evolving regulation landscape, how they may impact member’s business cases and how the Association will support them in engaging with the regulator to provide feedback on key subjects such as UK SORA and Drone Class Marking. I aim to provide a focal point for those efforts in the coming months‘.
Graham Brown has now stepped down as Chair of ARPAS-UK but remains a Director, focusing on Education and Careers in Drones. We thank him for all his tireless energy in promoting the UK drone industry and ARPAS-UK members for the past 7 years.
The Board of Directors at ARPAS-UK
Evolution of the Advisory Board
Amanda Smith, Drone Programme Lead at Sellafield Ltd, steps up to chair the Advisory Board and takes on Graham’s mantle of Drone Promotion. Amanda will serve as ARPAS-UK’s figurehead championing industry adoption and engagement with end-users. We welcome her to the role.
Joining her on the Advisory Board are Emily Butt, Leicestershire Search & Rescue Drone Lead, Phil Hicks, Pravo Consulting, Mike Hibberd, Texo, Rowley Cory-Wright & Matt Rake, StirlingX.
A strong team!
1 May 2025
Anne-Lise Scaillierez, Director and CEO, also presented the 2024 financial results of ARPAS-UK.
