Project Skyway is part of Phase 3 of Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge Programme, exploring a drone superhighway for BVLOS flights.
Connected Places Catapult‘s role was to engage with various stakeholders to understand perceptions, expectations, and concerns about drones and BVLOS usage. Stakeholders see benefits like promoting UK innovation and enhancing sustainability but have concerns about the superhighway’s resilience and logistics.
Industry Perceptions: Industry stakeholders see potential benefits in sustainability, time-saving, and safety but have concerns about regulations, system resilience, and operational complexity
Report recommendations: The report concludes with recommendations on emphasizing transparent communication, independent regulation, and comprehensive risk mitigation to ensure successful implementation and public acceptance.
uAvionix Achieves FAA TSO Certification for ping200XR Combined Transponder and GPS Receiver, Expanding Airspace Access for UAS
uAvionix, a leader in avionics technology for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), today announced that the ping200XR Mode S ADS-B transponder with integral aviation GPS, has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This milestone is the latest major TSO certification for uAvionix and offers the lowest certified Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) solution for worldwide airspace compliance.
The ping200XR TSO has received TSO-C112e and TSO-C166b for transponder and ADS-B functionality, TSO-C88b for its internal pressure altimeter, and TSO-C145e for the integral aviation GPS. Weighing only 52 grams and measuring 47 x 72 x 10mm, the ping200XR offers everything required for airspace access or for certified aircraft in a single enclosure. The ping200XR TSO ensures the aircraft can be detected by Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and ADS-B IN receivers, facilitating seamless integration into national and international airspace.
“Receiving TSO certification for the ping200XR represents a significant achievement for uAvionix and underscores our commitment to advancing UAS technology in a way that prioritizes safety and compliance,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer for uAvionix. “This approval from the FAA is a testament to the reliability and safety our products bring to the skies, enabling broader access and acceptance by regulators and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) worldwide.”
In its uncertified format, the ping200XR has been particularly popular with high altitude aircraft and balloons which must operate in Class A and above airspace. These certifications open the ping200XR TSO to markets which require certifications such as Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, the ping200XR TSO is particularly advantageous for aircraft seeking type certification such as future eVTOL/AAM platforms.
ping200XR TSO will begin shipping in September 2024.
Since its inception in 2015, uAvionix has been at the forefront of avionics for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, developing a suite of products that address the unique challenges of integrating uncrewed systems into the global airspace infrastructure. Each TSO-certified product from uAvionix not only paves the way for safer skies but also supports the expanding utility of UAS across commercial, government, and recreational sectors.
12 August 2024
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Framework for Future Flight in the UK: Principles from a deliberative Public Dialogue July 2024
The UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge (FFC) aims to position the UK as a leader in aviation by funding research and development of new flight technologies. A public dialogue was conducted to understand public views on Future Flight technologies, including non-passenger-carrying drones, eVTOLs, and electric/hydrogen Regional Air Mobility (RAM).
Alongside a wider programme of social science research funded by the Challenge, UKRI/Innovate UK commissioned this dialogue, which was led by the Future Flight Challenge Social Science Research Director and team based at the University of Birmingham. The dialogue was supported by UKRI’s Sciencewise programme and delivered by Thinks Insight & Strategy.
Principles for Development: Participants developed 14 principles for the roll-out of Future Flight technologies, emphasizing public good, safety, sustainability, accessibility, and affordability.
Concerns and Hopes: Participants expressed concerns about noise, visual pollution, safety, and affordability, but also saw potential benefits in improved connectivity, sustainability, and accessibility.
CAA CONSULTATION on DETECT AND AVOID POLICY due 19 Sep
The CAA policy consultation on their DAA policy concept is launched – seeking views on the proposed methodology and means of compliance. DAA is one of the cornerstones of integrated airspace, providing RPAS with the ability to ‘See and Avoid’ other air traffic, reducing the mid-air collision risk of RPAS operating in airspace with other users. With an agreed DAA methodology, the regulator and industry can work together towards making extended routine BVLOS operations in UK airspace become a reality.
Event Description Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS in select vertical markets.
2024 marks the 10th edition of Commercial UAV Expo, demonstrating a passionate continued commitment to the commercial UAS industry. Since its inception, Commercial UAV Expo has aimed to serve as an essential platform for collaboration, and knowledge exchange amid the ongoing growth and revolution of the commercial UAS sector – and this year is set to be its biggest yet.
ARPAS-UK has TWO free guest passes for the event to give to members. These are for the full 3-day conference passport, which includes all workshops, sessions, exhibits, receptions and AI-powered matchmaking. They do not include flights there, accommodation or any other expenses. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Please contact [email protected]
Commercial drone professionals are eagerly anticipating Commercial UAV Expo 2024, where they can look forward to critical, timely education delivered by industry leaders, opportunities to network and engage with peers, and the best opportunity of the year to see and learn about the newest technology through conference sessions, workshops, and live-action Outdoor Flying Demonstrations. The show floor features an expanded exhibit hall with an expected 225 industry-leading providers showcasing their latest UAS solutions including airframes, software, sensors, and services. The event is expected to attract 3,750 commercial drone professionals from around the world and is backed by more than 300 associations and media companies.
The conference program provides actionable information in Keynote Presentations and industry focused panels, where drone innovators, regulators, and end-users share their expertise and vision and discuss the critical issues facing the industry; solutions-based conference sessions that offer practical, actionable education for professionals working with UAS across markets including construction, infrastructure, and energy & utilities; and in-depth conference sessions that provide up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect everyone in UAS, such as FAA regulations, BVLOS operations, technology adoption, accuracy requirements, safety, power, and more.
The Drone Pilot Hub is a new, dynamic space in the Commercial UAV Exhibit Hall that will feature content tailored for attendees who are new or current professional drone pilots. Learning opportunities include drone pilot preparations for Part 107 tests, discussion of standard operating procedures and best practices for flights, and details of regulation and documentation.
Commercial UAV Expo and Commercial UAV News are organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, Digital Construction Week and Geo Business (London, UK), and Geo Week (Denver, CO).
Keynotes:
This year’s Commercial UAV Expo keynotes are set to define what it means to accelerate commercial viability for drone technology on a whole new level. Keynoters will answer these questions and more while also outlining developments that will have a profound impact on the entire drone industry.
What are some of the most pivotal changes, challenges, and implications shaping the landscape of commercial drone regulation from the FAA?
What does it mean for a “drone champion” to define efficiencies that the technology can unlock for large organizations in the public and private sectors?
Are we finally beyond the hype? For years, drone technology rode a wave of speculative excitement, promising explosive growth. While this hype proved unsustainable and led to industry consolidation, it was rooted in a genuine vision of the value drones could offer. In 2024, that value is finally being demonstrably quantified, marking a clear shift into a post-hype era. However, the question remains: has the industry definitively climbed out of the initial slump, or is it merely on an upward trajectory? Whether the technology is fully through the trough or on an upward slope will be a major topic of discussion at Commercial UAV Expo.
What are the top real-world use cases of drone technology? Commercial UAV Expo is set to showcase the tangible impact drones are delivering across industries in a whole new way. In Energy & Utilities, drones are optimizing operations and inspections. In Construction, they’re creating value out of thin air. For Critical Infrastructure Inspections, they’re enhancing safety and efficiency. These specifics will be broken down in separate education tracks, each of which will feature multiple case studies that will outline exactly where and how the technology is creating value.
Will Part 108 redefine commercial drone regulation? Part 107 unlocked a new era for commercial drones, but Part 108 could be an even bigger milestone. This groundbreaking FAA rule will unleash a wave of lucrative opportunities and supercharge existing applications, allowing drones to truly scale across countless industries. This topic will be specifically explored during a Part 108 brief but will dominate conversations across the program and floor.
What does it mean for the drone pilot community to come together? As the commercial drone industry evolves, so do the opportunities for drone pilots. Technological leaps, evolving regulations, and growing industry recognition are fueling these opportunities, but how can pilots best navigate these new developments? And who can pilots look to for support? For the first time ever, Commercial UAV Expo will offer dedicated education and networking—designed specifically for drone pilots—to answer these questions individually but also for the larger drone pilot community.
What’s the latest for drones and AI? The UAV industry is at the forefront of breakthroughs in automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Drone data is being utilized to create detailed 3D models for inspections, and it is also guiding drones through areas with no GPS signal, all of which is happening thanks to AI-enabled innovations. From streamlined flight plans to advanced security systems to operations that counter rogue drones, AI is making a difference in multiple sectors. Commercial UAV Expo will showcase how drone companies are harnessing automation and AI to make their operations more efficient, safer, and more profitable.
Who are the individuals and organizations defining the future of the industry? The drone industry is defined by the innovators, visionaries, and disruptors who are bringing fresh approaches to current challenges. This year’s program features individuals who are shaping the present and future of the industry, while the exhibit floor will feature industry stalwarts that are doing the same. Additionally, several companies that are new to Commercial UAV Expo will be showcasing their products and services. Discover the established giants and rising stars who are shaping the future of drones.
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Royal Holloway University’s New £2.5M Omnidrome Research Facility: A Unique Opportunity
Royal Holloway University has made a significant leap forward in research and innovation with a £2.5 million investment into the Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for pioneering research and development in various advanced technological fields, focusing on unmanned autonomous systems (UAS/UAVs), robotics, artificial intelligence, and information security.
Omnidrome: Pioneering the Future
The Omnidrome at Royal Holloway University is poised to become a world-leading centre for research, innovation, education, and knowledge exchange, dedicated to the study and application of drones and autonomous vehicles. This new facility will address contemporary and future challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering an environment where cutting-edge research can thrive.
Research and Innovation at Omnidrome
The Omnidrome Research & Innovation Centre aims to support a broad range of research initiatives, including:
Robotics, AI, and Information Security: Focusing on the development and secure integration of autonomous systems.
Drone and Sensor Technology: Advancing the capabilities and applications of aerial, surface, and submersible drones.
Environmental Monitoring: Utilizing drone technology for geospatial analysis of environmental, ecological, and geological systems.
Law, Culture, Arts, and Humanities: Exploring the legal, cultural, and social implications of drone technology.
Building a Collaborative Community
The Omnidrome is dedicated to nurturing a diverse and multidisciplinary community of researchers, educators, technical staff, and students. The Centre will also build a robust network of academic and non-academic collaborators, including business, industry, government partners, and NGOs. This collaborative environment aims to:
Develop funding opportunities and promote impactful research.
Train staff and students in drone industry applications and software skills.
Support student research projects and geospatial data analysis.
Unique Features of Omnidrome
What sets the Omnidrome apart is its comprehensive approach to research and innovation:
Unrestricted Research Directions: Supporting all ideas and opportunities within the Omnidrome Innovation Network.
Multidisciplinary Expertise: Engaging academics from arts, humanities, science, and social sciences to address diverse research challenges.
Industry Partnerships: Directly addressing sector-specific challenges through innovative solutions and economic benefits.
Membership and Opportunities
The Omnidrome offers membership to an innovation network of academic and non-academic collaborators. Membership benefits include:
Direct networking opportunities with academic researchers and industry practitioners.
Discounts on access to the Omnidrome Training and Testing Facility and other resources.
Invitations to annual events, including a research and education conference and a networking and partnerships meeting.
Training and Testing Facilities
The Omnidrome provides state-of-the-art facilities for drone training, testing, and development:
Controlled Environment: A bespoke facility measuring 25m x 35m x 10m for safe and robust testing.
Training Areas: Dedicated spaces for visual line-of-sight flight training and sensor applications.
Technical Infrastructure: Access to high-capacity electrical power systems, drone support vehicles, and specialized equipment.
Join Us at the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event
On behalf of Royal Holloway University, We are delighted to invite knowledge exchange professionals and industry brokers to the Omnidrome Innovation Networking Event on Tuesday, July 23, from 10.00 to 16.30 at the Royal Holloway University Campus in Egham. This event will feature expert talks, workshops, and opportunities to connect with peers in the field of drone and robotics technology.
For further information and to register, please contact [email protected].
SORA v2.5: a practical case from Switzerland to understand how it works – watch again
SORA v2.5 is now published, and the UK CAA intends to implement a UK version of v2.5.
Let’s walk through a practical example in conversation with Nathanel Apter, who has been advising operators on how to get approvals from the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation using SORA. Nathanel has also been part of the JARUS task force behind v2.5.
Remember that SORA is for the Specific Category.
PDRA01 holders won’t be directly affected because their OA is pre-defined, but non-PDRA01 authorisations, like OSC, will eventually follow UK SORA. Plus: SORA may open opportunities for all in the specific category.
Speakers: Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO of ARPAS-UK & Nathanel Apter, UASolutions CEO
Nathanel Apter, UASolutions, CEO & Partner.
Nathanel previously worked for the Digitisation & Innovation Team at the Federal Office of Civil Aviation Switzerland, before founding UASolutions. In addition, he is a Board Member of the Drone Industry Association Switzerland (DIAS) and Member of the JARUS SORA v2.5 Main Body Task Force.
The SORA is a methodology for the classification of the risk posed by a drone flight in the specific category of operations and for the identification of mitigations and of the safety objectives. It helps the operator to identify operational limitations, training objectives for the personnel essential for the operation (e.g remote pilots, observers, maintainers etc..), technical requirements for the drone and to develop the appropriate operational procedures that will be part of the operator manual.
The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, often referred to as the “Grammys of Entrepreneurship,” celebrates the achievements of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative businesses. Each year, the awards receive thousands of applications, underscoring the competitive nature and high standard of the competition. This year’s shortlist showcases a combined turnover of nearly £2.9 billion and employs approximately 20,000 people, highlighting the critical role these businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.
Iprosurv Limited, based in South Yorkshire, is recognised for its outstanding contributions to the Aviation industry/ RPAS sector.
“As we celebrate our 10th year anniversary, we are incredibly honoured to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are excited to celebrate this achievement with the wider entrepreneurial community,” said Rebecca Jones, Co-Founder, Iprosurv.
Previous winners of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards include the founders of BrewDog, MyEnergi, Zilch, Grenade, and ClearScore, who have gone on to become household names. It is with thanks to national and regional sponsors Allica Bank, Airwallex, Basket, Caudwell Children, de Novo Solutions, GiftRound, GS Verde Group, GS1 UK, Home Grown, JF Growth Menzies, Quidos, Randal Charitable Foundation, ScoreApp, TikTok, UBS Wealth Management and Vestd that the Great British Entrepreneur Awards has been able to celebrate the very best of Great British entrepreneurs for 12 years.
The awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 18th November, at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House, where winners for each category in each region will be announced. This event is the largest entrepreneurial celebration in the UK, providing a platform for businesses to connect, celebrate, and champion the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Francesca James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, stated, “The calibre of entries this year is truly outstanding. These entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, and their stories are a testament to the incredible resilience and creativity of the UK’s business community. We are thrilled to recognise their achievements and support their continued growth.”
Allica Bank, the headline sponsor for this year’s awards, shares this commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. “It has been a real honour to sponsor this year’s Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Hearing the inspiring stories from the incredible businesses that these awards champion really brings to life the important contribution that British entrepreneurs make to our economy” says Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank.
For more information about Iprosurv Limited, please visit www.iprosurv.com.
Operating in the commercial sector since 2014, Iprosurv has been at the forefront of pioneering the use of drones across a variety of industries. Our mission is to drive the widespread adoption of drone technology across business sectors, helping to improve operations, reduce costs, and increase safety while positively impacting the UK economy. We aim to position Iprosurv as one of the UK’s leading drone services businesses.
Leveraging a national supply chain of expert drone operators, we serve a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies and global organisations. Iprosurv holds extensive regulatory approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), enabling us to operate under complex operations exemptions.
Authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority as a Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE), we offer both standard and bespoke training solutions for organisations and individuals aiming to become CAA-approved drone pilots or upgrade their qualifications.
From building surveys and flood response to supporting emergency services, Iprosurv continues to push the boundaries of drone technology in business applications. Our commitment to innovation and safety ensures that we remain leaders in the rapidly evolving field of commercial drone operations.
The UKRI Future Flight Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK and ESRC, has launched a project library showcasing the range of large-scale projects taking place as part of Phase 3 of the Challenge. The showcase demonstrates the breadth of activities, successes and impacts to date, and the +130 organisations currently involved in the Challenge. These include businesses, universities, local authorities, emergency services, the NHS and the third sector.
