#TrustinDrones - ARPAS UK

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Is your council ready for the growth of drones and air taxis?

AAM4Gov, the AAM Academy for UK City and Local Governments has launched the first on-line courses to support UK local authorities engage with the drone and advanced air mobility industries to save lives, improve delivery of council services and reduce carbon emissions whilst also ensuring communities are protected from illegal and inconsiderate use of drones.

Brighton, October 24, 2023 AAM4Gov, the AAM Academy for UK City and Local Governments, has announced the launch of the first courses on its learning platform focused on closing the skills gap among local authorities in developing new policies to optimise drone and future electric air taxi services, part of the new advanced air mobility (AAM) transport revolution.

AAM4Gov is supported by the UK Research and Innovation Future Flight Challenge, delivered by Innovate UK and the Economic and Social Research Council, having won funding from the “Future Flight: closing the skills gaps” competition.

“While many councils have been using drones for years to reduce survey and maintenance costs and support first responders – such as fire services, police and coast guard units – in saving lives, new technology developments are about to rapidly increase the number and capabilities of drones in the skies above us,” said Philip Butterworth- Hayes, editorial director of AAM4Gov. “The first electric air taxis will fly in Europe next year, while drones will soon be delivering defibrillators, medicines and pizzas to households throughout the UK. For councils, this is an opportunity and a challenge. Our remote learning courses have been designed to help local authorities more easily and quickly develop policies to optimise the benefits and reduce the risks.”

The first three courses now available are:

An Introduction to AAM & UAM
Community Benefits of Drones and eVTOLs
AAM Public Consultation – covering methods of engaging with local communities to ensure citizens’
needs are prioritised in any new service launch.

Further courses scheduled for November are:

AAM Drone Security – critical aspects of drone security and managing drone nuisance
AAM and the Law
AAM Policy Making – developing drone/AAM policies which attract new investment and business, while reducing costs and environmental footprints.

Courses are designed to meet the needs of local authority senior decision makers and those involved in policy making, planning, first responders, estate management and surveying, transport, environment and social services.

Interested? Register at AAM4Gov.com and enrol to get full access to the initial courses which are available for free for a limited introductory period.

Click here to register

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BT Launches UK’s First Drone SIM to Revolutionise UAV Connectivity

ARPAS-UK members BT, Sees.ai, Skylift and Skyfarer have collaborated to pioneer in telecommunications, unveiling the launch of the UK’s inaugural Drone SIM. This cutting-edge technology is set to unlock the full potential of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations throughout the United Kingdom.

The Drone SIM, designed to function seamlessly via the EE network, offers unlimited data plans and continuous connectivity while soaring through the skies. It boasts robust construction that can withstand vibration, extreme temperatures, and humidity, making it suitable for year-round drone usage. Initially, BT’s business customers will reap the benefits of this transformative technology, which has the potential to revolutionize a multitude of industries. From the swift delivery of medical supplies to infrastructure monitoring and efficient transportation of goods, the applications are boundless.

Leveraging the BT Group’s EE network, the Drone SIM enjoys high-priority, ultra-responsive connectivity. This ensures safety, precise control, telemetry, and the ability to stream ultra-high-definition (UHD) video content at altitude. This breakthrough empowers drone users to capture detailed, survey-grade imagery and videos, facilitating various applications, from search and rescue missions to infrastructure inspections.

The Drone SIM represents a remarkable leap forward in drone flight capabilities. With the broadest geographic coverage in the UK, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can now travel significant distances, fully unleashing their capabilities, all while maintaining continuous communication with remote pilots and safety systems. This marks a profound departure from the previous limitations imposed by line-of-sight radio transmission or local Wi-Fi connectivity.

Etc., the digital start-up and incubation arm of the BT Group, has played a pivotal role in driving innovation in the drone industry. Their historic collaborations, including a £5 million deal with Altitude Angel to develop the UK’s first drone superhighway, exemplify their commitment to advancing drone technology. The launch of the Drone SIM follows a series of successful trials and developments by the Etc. team. These trials encompassed critical infrastructure inspections with drone technology provider sees.ai, the validation of BVLOS mission safety standards in integrated airspace with turnkey Uncrewed Aerial System providers Skylift, and even powered a groundbreaking drone medical delivery trial with aerial logistics specialist Skyfarer.

Dave Pankhurst, Director of Drones at BT, expressed his excitement, stating, “Following the successful trials of our Drone SIM over the past year, this announcement is a huge stepping stone in bringing drone connectivity to businesses across the UK, unlocking potential for more efficient processes, business transformation and, with the ability to power search and rescue missions and medical deliveries, helping to save lives.”

Eduardo Aldaz-Carroll, Chief Technology Officer at sees.ai, emphasized the significance of drone inspections for critical national energy infrastructure. He said, “Drones offer significant benefits by increasing the speed, efficiency, and consistency of data capture so we can predict the future state of the asset with reduced risk and environmental impact. It’s great to be working with BT Group to develop the technologies required to roll out BVLOS drone inspection and monitoring at scale.”

Nick Ruggles, Chief Technology Officer at Skylift, acknowledged the game-changing impact of BT’s Telecoms Grade C2 links, stating, “BT’s Telecoms Grade C2 links have halved our deployment setup times. With recurring costs at just 14% of other systems and virtually zero infrastructure expenses, this is a game changer for us.”

Georgia Hanrahan, Chief Operations Officer at Skyfarer, highlighted the efficiency gains, saying, “With the Drone SIM powering BVLOS flight, we can take a 20-minute flight between two hospitals and reduce this to a more direct 8-minute flight. Perfect for time-sensitive deliveries. We estimate a wider scale roll out nationwide could reduce our delivery time by 60% compared to road transport.”

The Drone SIM is now available for purchase via the BT website.

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Evolve Dynamics and Cambridge Sensoriis Achieve Ground-breaking Fully Autonomous Drone Landing with ARC Radar Sensors

In a remarkable partnership, British UAV manufacturer Evolve Dynamics and radar technology specialist Cambridge Sensoriis have achieved a historic milestone in the world of autonomous drone technology. Together, they have successfully executed the world’s first fully autonomous drone landing, thanks to the integration of Cambridge Sensoriis’ ARC radar sensor devices with Evolve Dynamics’ Sky Mantis UAV. This groundbreaking achievement allows for autonomous landing, loitering, and zonal position holding, all without the reliance on other sensors, making it especially well-suited for GPS-denied environments.

Laurence Mallinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Evolve Dynamics, underlined the significance of this technological leap, stating, “Using radar pods that communicate with each other, our UAVs will be able to land autonomously in any weather, on a moving host platform, or in a GPS-denied environment. The key aspect of the system is that it is not reliant on visual navigation methods such as 2D barcodes or LEDs, and therefore is able to operate in adverse weather conditions and complete invisibility, such as fog or mist.”

The collaboration involves ground-based radar beacons from Cambridge Sensoriis establishing communication with an airside radar mounted within the Sky Mantis aircraft, providing precise positioning data to the autopilot.

This innovative technology empowers Evolve Dynamics’ Sky Mantis with robust positioning autonomy, enabling a wide range of operations, including vessel landing, loitering in both static and moving holding positions, and maintaining flight within defined corridors or zones. Thanks to Sensoriis’ radar capabilities, Sky Mantis can now launch from, follow, and land on moving vehicles or boats.

Steve Clark, CEO of Cambridge Sensoriis, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “We’ve believed for some time that our radar-based positional information could add value to drone deployments, but it has taken the expertise and support of Evolve Dynamics to see that come to fruition with actual real-world autonomous maneuvering and landing. It’s a first for us. We’re delighted with the collaborative spirit of this partnership and the opportunity ahead.”

Mike Dewhirst, CEO of Evolve Dynamics, emphasized the importance of this achievement, saying, “This is a major step forward. To achieve resilient autonomy and positioning without existing infrastructure, such as GPS, is essential. This is critical in defense scenarios, where we already have a strong market presence, as well as for the general scalability of industry drone solutions that will require strong resilience and redundancy.”

This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant advancement in the field of autonomous drone technology and opens up exciting possibilities for various industries, including public safety, defense, and energy. Evolve Dynamics and Cambridge Sensoriis are committed to pushing the boundaries of UAV technology and contributing to a better future.

About Evolve Dynamics: Evolve Dynamics is a UK-based UAV/UAS design and manufacturing company that provides aircraft and software solutions to customers across industries, including public safety, defense, and energy. Their mission is to find solutions to real-world problems through UAV technology, focusing on user needs and contributing to a better future.

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BVLOS Risk Quantification Workshops

We’re excited to announce our upcoming 2-day BVLOS risk quantification workshops, designed to support enabling BVLOS flights at a large scale in the UK. This exclusive opportunity will cover the intricacies of risk quantification in the context of SORA and beyond.

However, we can’t finalise the details without YOUR input. Please take a moment to fill out our survey to help us determine the best time and place for these workshops. As a token of our appreciation, all survey respondents will get early access to bookings. Remember, seats are limited and it’s a first-come-first-serve basis.

These workshops will be £500 for non-members and FREE for all ARPAS-UK members.

Each organisation can only send one attendee. For companies interested in group training, private bookings are available. For further details, please reach out to [email protected].

Click here for survey

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Travelling through airports with your drone

Most airports, airfields and spaceports have a flight restriction zone (FRZ) that applies to drones and unmanned aircraft.

In a recent drone podcast by the CAA, Tom Guest from the CAA RPAS team explains why these FRZs are in place and how they work. They also cover guidance for passengers who are travelling with a drone and what to be aware of when you’re at the airport. You’ll also hear from Gatwick Airport’s Stable Operations Lead, Aaron Bassett, who explains what happens when their systems detect a drone and the impact this can have on airport operations.

The podcast is available from the CAA Drone Safety series.

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Delivering UAS BVLOS flight in non-segregated airspace using aviation-grade Command & Control: WATCH AGAIN

CPD overview:

Earlier this year, uAvionix, Skylift and and British Telecom successfully conducted demonstration flights using uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based command and control (C2) system communicating over C-Band and LTE. The flights achieved two UK firsts for UAS operations; operational Command and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) C2 systems using C-Band and LTE via BT’s Drone SIM and secondly the transmission of ADS-B OUT on 978 MHz for detect and avoid (DAA) operations.

This demonstration was observed by the CAA. (https://uavionix.com/bt-group-drone-sim-and-uavionix-skyline-deliver-firsts-for-uk-uas-operations-with-skylift-demonstration-flights/)

The UK CAA participate in the ICAO RPAS Panel, which is working to deliver C-Band CNPC at an international level.

uAvionix has gained US FAA and FCC approval to operate its SkyLink C-Band C2 radios for true BVLOS operations in non-segregated airspace. The radios operating on aviation-protected C-Band frequencies are controlled by uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based C2 network solution that combines fleet management, network health monitoring, detect & avoid, and seamless make-before-break roaming between multiple radio networks and ground stations. The system also uses other radio networks, such as LTE, for multi-path, multi-datalink assured CNPC C2.

C2 radio design assurance is critical to meeting the criteria needed to manage risk during BVLOS operations and to meet the safety case requirements. The C-Band C2 radios are compliant with RTCA DO-362A and will become aviation certified to TSO-C213a in due course. The SkyLine cloud-based network control and associated SkyLink and SkyStation radios are the first certifiable C2 network purpose built for BVLOS operations.

uAvionix, operating at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Emerging Aviation Technology Center, recently completed the first true Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight in non-segregated airspace using aviation protected C-Band in the United States. Serving as the Command and Control Communications Service Provider (C2CSP), uAvionix completed the historic flights for CNO, FAA and industry leaders to demonstrate the effectiveness of combining C2 link management and situational awareness for Detect and Avoid (DAA) through the company’s SkyLine software service offering. The flight, a culmination of a multi-year effort involving engineering, operations teams and regulatory review, heralds a significant advancement for UAS operators and businesses seeking to commercialise scalable UAS operations such as medical and package delivery, linear utility inspection, and emergency management. (https://uavionix.com/uavionix-and-choctaw-nation-of-oklahoma-complete-first-us-flights-exercising-faa-and-fcc-approvals-for-aviation-protected-c-band-and-beyond-visual-line-of-sight-

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National Drone Innovation Gateway: Pioneering Progress in the UK Drone and AAM Ecosystems

In the dynamic world of drone technology and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), innovation is the driving force behind the future of aviation. The National Drone Innovation Gateway (NDIG) is a groundbreaking initiative led by Cranfield University, in collaboration with Neuron Innovations and Ebeni, designed to propel innovators and businesses into the forefront of the UK drone and AAM ecosystems. This forward-looking initiative serves as a launchpad for scaling drone operations, fostering collaboration, and providing comprehensive support to drive advancements in uncrewed systems.

Scaling drone operations requires a multifaceted approach, and NDIG is dedicated to guiding operators through every stage of their journey. The initiative offers a comprehensive suite of resources, including expertise, industry connections, and cutting-edge facilities. NDIG assists operators in building a repeatable and holistic safety assessment, conducting efficient trials, accessing academic research, analysing prototype data, and interfacing with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This support is invaluable for both newcomers and established players in the industry, ensuring that they can confidently navigate the complex landscape of drone technology.

NDIG’s reach extends far beyond its founding partners, creating a vast network of connections within the industry. This network spans from local councils and regulators to manufacturers, operators, and infrastructure developers. NDIG leverages these connections to facilitate cross-organization collaboration and partnerships. For example, if an operator requires specific infrastructure, NDIG can connect them with suitable manufacturers and provide the facilities for them to collaborate effectively. This interconnectedness not only accelerates innovation but also opens doors to mutually beneficial partnerships.

Mission Statement

NDIG’s mission is clear: to provide the drone and AAM industry with a comprehensive solution that accelerates the development and productive use of uncrewed systems across various sectors and government initiatives. NDIG offers support to startups, SMEs, manufacturers, operators, and integrators by:

Guiding them through an innovation process that enhances the success rate of their products and services.
Providing access to office spaces, workshops, and event facilities to foster growth and development.
Offering specialized regulatory, engineering, safety, operational, and research expertise and resources.
Facilitating connections and partnerships with stakeholders that add value, unlock opportunities, and enhance product offerings.

The National Drone Innovation Gateway provides a centralized hub where industry players can access multiple resources necessary for planning, prototyping, testing, certifying, and launching scalable solutions. This approach accelerates the development of uncrewed systems and their integration into shared airspace, offering an efficient pathway to innovation and progress.

drone, flying drone, quadrocopter-3198324.jpg

About the Partners

Cranfield University: Cranfield University, a specialist postgraduate institution, boasts world-class expertise, expansive facilities, and industry partnerships that are driving advancements in technology and management globally. Access to academic research and state-of-the-art facilities, such as DARTeC, Eagle Labs, and AVIATE, allows operators to collaborate with other UAS innovators in a modern workspace.

Ebeni: Ebeni is a Safety Consultancy SME specializing in safety and mission-critical operations in the aerospace, defense, and ATM markets. Their expertise covers various aviation capabilities, including operational and engineering safety, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and more. Ebeni’s seasoned project managers support drone development throughout the entire lifecycle.

Neuron Innovations: Neuron Innovations is a forward-thinking technological innovator, offering advanced technical solutions, data collection, and analysis for novel UAS issues. Their expertise in software development, automation, and mobility enhances safety and mobility in future aviation. Neuron Innovations collaborates with partner organizations to decentralize automation and mobility.

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The Prompt Payment Code

If you run a business and are constantly plagued by late payments here are a couple of useful resources.

Prompt Payment Code. The Prompt Payment Code (PPC) is a voluntary code of practice for businesses, administered by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) on behalf of Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It was established in December 2008 and sets standards for payment practices between organisations of any size and their suppliers.
– You can check out if your client is on the list and remind them of their commitment.
– If you run a business – sign the PPC.

Prompt payment policy. If your client is a government organisation.
The government commitment is to pay 90% of undisputed and valid invoices from SMEs within 5 days and 100% of all undisputed and valid invoices to be paid within 30 days.

Links:

Prompt payment policy – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

PPC – Small Business Commissioner

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Taking Construction to New Heights – WATCH AGAIN

The Revolutionary Impact of Drones on UK and Global Construction

Join us for an enlightening session as we delve into the cutting-edge world of drone technology and its transformative influence on the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Discover the myriad ways drones are currently revolutionizing construction practices, offering unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness.

Our esteemed speaker, Richard Dunlop, a distinguished alumnus of Newcastle University with a degree in Surveying and Mapping Science, will lead this exploration. Richard’s remarkable journey has led him to the helm of Heliguy as the Head of Geospatial. In this role, he collaborates closely with diverse clients, aiding them in the development of their own internal aerial surveying initiatives. Drawing from his extensive 3-year tenure at Heliguy, Richard’s insights into the rapidly evolving drone landscape promise to be both informative and inspirational.

Be prepared to be captivated by tales from the forefront of innovation, as Richard shares his wealth of experience, including his prior work as a land surveyor on prestigious projects such as Charing Cross. This session offers a unique opportunity to grasp the monumental strides drones have taken within the construction sector and gain a glimpse into the limitless possibilities they hold for the future.

Join us to explore the skies of construction, guided by an expert who has truly taken construction to new heights through the power of drones.

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Introducing Gotonomi™: A NewGeneration of Small and LightweightUAV Satellite Terminals

TTP plc, a leading technology developer, has announced the debut of Gotonomi at the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. With the goal of introducing innovative solutions to the market, Gotonomi is poised to offer compact satellite terminals as flight trial development kits for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These terminals, developed in collaboration with Viasat’s Velaris™ global connectivity solution, are a result of the pioneering Iris air traffic modernisation initiative, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) and powered by Viasat’s ELERA satellite network.

Velaris facilitates secure communications for commercial UAVs, enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights and seamless integration with aircraft in commercial airspace. This empowers operators to conduct extended flights and access real-time monitoring tools for safe integration with air traffic.

Upon connecting to the Velaris service, Gotonomi’s terminals will offer a consistently available 200kbps secure datalink, ensuring smooth communication between vehicles, remote operators, and UAV Traffic Management (UTM) systems. The initial product lineup includes three variants:

Velaris 200 – Fully integrated satcom antenna.
Velaris Module – Core module for satcom communication.
Velaris Multi-link Module – Core module for satcom and LTE hybrid terminal with edge compute capabilities.

The hybrid connectivity approach combines low-latency, high-speed 4G communications with a resilient satellite link, ensuring seamless connectivity across the globe through intelligent data routing.

Tristan Barkley, Head of Satellite and Space at TTP, stated, “Our vision for Gotonomi is to drive the growth of a robust ecosystem for universal communications in autonomous vehicle safety, delivering cutting-edge products made possible by TTP’s expertise.”

Anthony Spouncer, Viasat’s Senior Director of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), expressed enthusiasm, saying, “The launch of Gotonomi by TTP is a thrilling development that taps into the significant potential of this market. With TTP’s engineering prowess and our robust Velaris service, Gotonomi customers will benefit from a unique blend of long-range communication capabilities onboard their UAVs.”

In addition to satellite terminals, Gotonomi is positioned to contribute significantly to the safety product and service landscape across various autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles on land, sea, and air. This includes systems designed to aid in detect and avoid (DAA) operations, a pivotal component for the secure operation of UAVs within commercial airspace.

To explore the opportunity of becoming a flight trial partner and for more information, visit www.gotonomi.com. TTP will be showcasing their offerings at booth 717 during the Commercial UAV Expo, scheduled for September 5th to 7th, 2023, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, USA.

About Gotonomi
Gotonomi’s mission revolves around enabling continuous connectivity for autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles, thereby realizing safe and scalable beyond visual line of sight operations. The company envisions a comprehensive toolkit for secure autonomous operation across land, sea, and air. Their revolutionary miniaturized communication system, devised by TTP, brings satellite and cellular connectivity to lightweight UAVs, enabling command and control for BVLOS safety, telemetry, data services, and multimedia streaming.

About TTP
TTP is a Cambridge-based technology and product development services firm operating within the UK’s technology hub. With a 35-year legacy, the company has been driving innovation fueled by science and technology in diverse sectors, including aerospace. TTP’s engagement in the space sector encompasses:

User terminals and antennas for satellite connectivity, including for UAVs.
5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).
Intersatellite links.
Space sustainability solutions.

TTP boasts extensive experience in developing communication solutions, spanning terrestrial and satellite realms, from system-level architecture to devices, covering a broad spectrum of frequencies and platforms.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications enterprise with a vision of connecting everyone and everything worldwide. With a presence in 24 countries, the company’s mission shapes communication and connectivity for individuals, businesses, governments, and militaries across the globe. Viasat’s ongoing endeavor involves establishing an unparalleled global communications network to deliver high-quality, secure, and affordable connections, positively impacting lives on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Through its merger with Inmarsat on May 30, 2023, Viasat has amalgamated the strengths of both companies to create a novel global communications partner poised for the future.

Links:

TTP: UAV airspace access a step closer thanks to Inmarsat’s latest tech signing

TTP: Press release