CAA Launches New UAS Integration Sandbox

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority has launched a regulatory sandbox to help support the development for the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into UK Airspace.

Their intention is that the integrated Concepts of Operation (ConOps) be trialled by appropriate industry stakeholders to support the ongoing development of CAA policy and understanding for UAS flights integrated with other airspace users.

The call is open to individual organisations or consortia working on the development of UAS systems operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Online briefing event

There will be a short briefing event on 10 January 2024 at 14:00 via MS Teams where you will be able to ask questions of the CAA with regards to the application process.

Please register below and you will be emailed joining instructions on the morning of 10 January 2024.

Register for the CAA RPAS Integration Sandbox Online Briefing

Application period

The application period for this sandbox has a staggered approach with three tranches:

  • Tranche 1 – Closing date 23:59 on Thursday 1 February 2024
  • Tranche 2 – Closing date 23:59 on Thursday 29 February 2024
  • Tranche 3– Closing Date 23:59 on Thursday 4 April 2024

Only those who are accepted into the sandbox trial will be able to establish a trial TRA. This is to ensure that the CAA can manage the trials as a controlled exercise, working closely with all successful applicants to ensure the airspace policy concept and the technical enables required to move the policy forward are proved.

Full details and how to apply are available in this supporting publication:

CAP 2616: Regulatory Sandbox for the development of capabilities to integrate Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in unsegregated airspace.

15 December 2023