Campaign Catapult

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Project BLUEPRINT trials lay groundwork for open-architecture UK UTM system

Philip Hicks, partner at Campaign Catapult and Principal Consultant and Founder of Pravo Consulting reports on the latest milestones achieved by industry drone and sensor experts and academics in the pursuit of mixed use air space and safe operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations have taken a step forward in the UK with the culmination of the Project BLUEPRINT showcase presented at Cranfield University’s Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) on 25 June. This initiative, under the Innovate UK Future Flight Challenge, aims to develop open-source solutions for establishing drone zones in local areas, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Project BLUEPRINT, a two-year initiative, has been pivotal in advancing BVLOS drone operations in the UK. The project team successfully developed and integrated minimum viable products (MVPs), laying the groundwork for BVLOS solutions. A comprehensive sensor network was deployed, enhancing situational awareness and safety. Initial testing validated the system’s functionality and performance, securing approval from the relevant authorities and demonstrating compliance with aviation standards.

“Project BLUEPRINT was developed to show how ground-based surveillance networks and an open-architecture approach to UTM can enable BVLOS operations at scale,” said James Dunthorne, Strategic Lead for Project BLUEPRINT. “Our team has developed the necessary systems, integrated them, tested them, safety assessed them, and operated them in a live environment, allowing us to pull off a demonstration at this event that will hopefully give industry, government and regulators a clear vision for how the future of drone integration will come together. We’d like to thank everyone who has put in an extraordinary amount of effort to make this event so successful,”

The presentation on July 25 included live flight demonstrations in four parts covering flight plan and amendments with ‘intruder entering a transponder mandatory zone (TMZ) without permission’. Scenarios included a range of aircraft including VTOL BVLOS UAS (real take off from Cranfield Airport), Fixed Wing BVLOS UAS (simulated) and VTOL VLOS UAS (simulated)

Previous BVLOS projects have primarily operated in temporary danger areas (TDA’s) which are temporary and isolated from other airspace users, limiting scalability. These operations have focused on technology demonstrations and trials without establishing a sustainable business model.

With the blueprint for BVLOS in large part developed, the project team is now focused on the next phase: Detect and Avoid (DAA) testing.

The DAA testing phase is critical for BVLOS operations, encompassing validation of sensor coverage using ADS-B equipped unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), simulation scenarios for pilot decision-making, rigorous command performance validation, feedback loop simulations, and comprehensive system integrity testing. This phase aims to ensure the overall system’s reliability and calculate risk ratios accurately.

Next steps include working with Cranfield Airport and CAA to obtain TRA approval (by September 2024) and completion of assurance work in line with CAA’s DAA policy concept. Engaging with the general aviation industry, ARPAS-UK and CAA, the project aligns BVLOS operations with existing aviation practices. Inevitably, policymakers and regulators need to key into trials such as BLUEPRINT, and this will include alignment with the CAA’s Airspace policy concept for BVLOS flying, (dubbed as a roadmap for the development and modernisation of UK airspace until 2040).

Graham Brown, Chair of ARPAS-UK summarised: “The path to fully integrated airspace is complex with many moving parts. This project is excellent progress towards that goal.”

Project milestones and partners

The key milestones to the project are:

  •       MVPs Built and Integrated: The project team successfully developed and seamlessly integrated minimum viable products (MVPs), forming the bedrock of the BVLOS solution.
  •      Sensor Network Installation and Modelling: A comprehensive sensor network was meticulously deployed and modelled, enhancing situational awareness and safety.
  •      Initial Testing Completed: Rigorous testing validated system functionality and performance.
  •      OSC (Operating Safety Case) Approval: The project secured approval from the relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  •     TRA (Temporary Reserved Airspace) Application in Process: The team is part way through the process with the CAA to enable ADS-B mandated airspace to conduct routine operations.

Project BLUEPRINT relies on the collective efforts of the following organisations:

Many of the above organisations are ARPAS-UK Members.

Philip Hicks, 30 June 2024

From Project BLUEPRINT trials lay groundwork for open-architecture UK UTM system – Unmanned airspace

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Extending Your Coverage: Pravo Consulting webinar – Watch Again

How PR and Marketing helps Drone and Sensor Businesses Take Off

Watch Again

Here Philip Hicks and Jamie Allan partners in ARPAS-UK member Pravo Consulting’s joint initiative Campaign Catapult, the UAS, robotics and sensors specialist agency – discuss the role of marketing as an essential and key part of the sales process. Ensuring you stand out – from start-ups to large enterprises – ensuring you get your message across in the most efficient and effective way, is all important to reach stakeholders and decision-makers.

Through the demonstration of use cases and results-focused programmes attendees will learn how to create a standout presence in an increasingly competitive and crowded market. Communications strategies will include a range of channels including social media, specialist press and connecting with prospective customers through user groups, events and digital marketing.

Speakers:

Jamie Allan is frequently consulted on UAV matters by a range of international clients across multiple sectors including start-ups, multi-national businesses, investors, VC firms and prestigious management consultancies, as well as being retained by a select few as a trusted, strategic adviser to the board.  Jamie’s enviable and unique drone expertise of not only winning prestigious contracts with a range of blue-chip clients, but of also creating an award-winning drone service capability from scratch and project managing operations across continents, means that he has intimate knowledge of every aspect of a successful UAV enterprise. Additionally, he astutely bridges the gap between regulators and the commercial industry.

Philip Hicks is the multi-award-winning founder and principal consultant of disruptive tech and innovation PR consultancy Pravo Consulting and co-founder and partner in Campaign Catapult a joint service agency that provides business development, PR research, bid support and marketing for drone, robotics and AI clients in civilian and defence markets. He devised the launch and led PR for a European rotary drone OEM and has worked on technology and aerospace-related programmes in Russia and the Middle East, latterly supporting the UK’s drone industry association ARPAS-UK and a number of global sensor businesses.

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Campaign Catapult Expansion in North American Drone & Robotics Sectors

US-BASED ASSOCIATE TRISH WARD UTTER TO SPEARHEAD CAMPAIGN CATAPULT EXPANSION IN NORTH AMERICAN DRONE AND ROBOTICS SECTORS

Marketing to business service consultancy launches North American offering at AUVSI XPONENTIAL, Atlanta 16-19 August 2021

GAINESVILLE, Florida USA – August 12th, 2021 — Campaign Catapult – the new end-to-end service portfolio set out to deliver solutions for new entrants, start-ups and developed mid to enterprise-size businesses operating in the Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and robotics markets has teamed up with US-based tech entrepreneur and business networking specialist Trish Ward Utter. 

‘Campaign Catapult,’ represented by Trish Ward Utter at AUVSI XPONENTIAL, August 16-19 in Atlanta, GA., targets current and aspiring disruptive leaders in a range of segments including Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) manufacturers, sensor and software innovators, counter drones, the wider supply chain and robotics industries. According to Florida-based Trish Ward Utter, “the opportunity to help develop and introduce US and international companies operating in these dynamic and fast-growing markets is exciting. Our stated aim is to provide a spectrum of support services to our North American client base especially those drone and robotics businesses targeting UK, Europe, Middle East and other regions.”  

Trish has helped companies across the globe mark their place in the world through smart marketing and PR tactics and has built a vast following of Drone, EV (electric vehicle) and automotive enthusiasts. Experience includes creating the British Club in the US, working with the British Embassy and trade delegations in Washington DC, in addition to successful ventures in publishing and forensic police support.

The opportunity to provide the UAS and wider robotics industry with seamless business and marketing support focused on whole-life solutions brought together Allan Panthera and Pravo Consulting in a strategic partnership in May 2021.

The two complementary businesses, combining successful track records in the UAS market from Allan Panthera’s multi-sector operational and business strategy expertise, with Pravo Consulting’s marketing, PR and social media outreach and crisis communications for national and global players, will leverage the focus of both businesses on innovative and disruptive markets. The intention is to develop the service from the UK to cover global markets, with the first regional hub in North America, with others to follow, utilizing an international associate network. [1]The global commercial drone market size was valued at USD 13.44 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 57.5% from 2021 to 2028.

The team’s combined UAS experience, across commercial and defense sectors, include: research on drone standards, launch of rotary VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs and global roll out, support for UAV propulsion systems manufacturer and sensor deployment, creation of award winning drone service enterprise, commercial wins and project management of world first offshore operations, strategic insight papers, BVLOS proof of concept projects, ISR maritime security, blue chip service contracts, drone in a box commercialization, global exclusivity agreements, mentorship/board advisory, foreign market entry, funding support, and many more.

“Interest in Campaign Catapult has been phenomenal and builds on the extensive contacts and track record of both Allan-Panthera-Pravo Consulting,” explained Philip Hicks, Founder and Principal Consultant of Pravo Consulting. “North America is an obvious choice for our next major move as a strategic partnership, not only because so many UAS innovators call the US their home base, but our market understanding and experience in the ‘rest of the world’ provides our clients with a fast track for growth. Either side of the equation we offer support for businesses serious about developing in the US and/or North American businesses, including Canada and Mexico, expanding globally.”

The advent of the 5G delivery model and integration of cloud computing technology with the drone development process is anticipated to provide lucrative growth opportunities to the commercial drone market. “The global pandemic has accelerated development, testing and adoption of drones across a range of sectors from medical delivery and energy to real estate and agriculture. This, together with development of global regulatory frameworks, proven use cases, and return on investment, underscore the exciting growth we are witnessing in the uncrewed/unmanned sector,” said Jamie Allan, Founder and CEO of Allan Panthera”

Campaign Catapult services include:

Research services, market insight and business assessment

  • Tailored legal, commercial and brand protection services
  • C-Suite/Board mentoring and counselling/interim management
  • Funding – identification and bid support, investor relations, export opportunities including grant and tax options
  • Representation services for negotiations or market entry
  • Product/service commercialization and go-to-market strategy and execution
  • PR and marketing support and social media outreach for products and sector campaigns
  • International in-country support including PR representation at trade show and industry events
  • Crisis and contingency planning and media training

Jamie Allan

T: +44 (0)131 3584353 Email: [email protected]

Philip Hicks

Cell: +44 (0)7467 510339 Email: [email protected]

Trish Ward Utter

Cell: +1 352 219 6702

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Allan Panthera and Pravo Consulting Announce Strategic Partnership and Launch Of ‘Campaign Catapult’ to Support Growth Of Dynamic UAS and Robotics Sector

New end-to-end service portfolio sets out to deliver enduring solutions to suit a range of budgets for new entrants, start-ups and developed mid to enterprise-size businesses operating in the Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) market. ‘Campaign Catapult’ will target current and aspiring disruptive leaders in a range of segments including Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) manufacturers, sensor and software innovators, counter drones,  the wider supply chain and robotics industries.

Cheltenham and Edinburgh (UK): 3rd May 2021: The opportunity to provide the UAS and wider robotics industry with seamless business and marketing support focused on whole-life  solutions has brought together Allan Panthera and Pravo Consulting in a strategic partnership.

The two complementary businesses, combining successful track records in the UAS market from Allan Panthera’s multi-sector operational and business strategy expertise, with Pravo Consulting’s marketing, PR and social media outreach and crisis communications for national and global players, will leverage the focus of both businesses on innovative and disruptive markets. The intention is to roll out the service from the UK to cover global markets, and to develop regional hubs, initially in North America and the Middle East, utilising Allan Panthera’s New York and Dubai offices, in addition to Pravo Consulting’s international associate network.

The Allan Panthera-Pravo Consulting partnership’s joint service solution, called Campaign Catapult, is launched in tandem with AUVSI XPONENTIAL’s hybrid online series 4-6 May; it is a scalable portfolio providing business, sales and marketing support on specific campaigns or on longer term projects, from C-suite advice and mentoring to implementation of programmes.

The global UAV market is set to be worth US$92 billion by 2030, with a CAGR rate of 25% over the US$9.5 billion in annual revenue for 2020. Of this revenue, 70% is in the commercial sector (US$63 billion). ¹ and new entrants and established operators need to differentiate in an increasingly competitive market.

“The drone and robotics markets provide lots of exciting potential and are an important focus area for BEIS (the UK’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy).  They provide exciting growth potential for innovation in both start-ups and more mature players.  I am pleased to support this new activity and the teams at Pravo Consulting and Allan Panthera are well regarded in their respective areas. The combination of the companies, and access to their specialists, will provide businesses with resources to help accomplish their goals without the need to add full time specialist skills in the crucial early stages of a company or project,” said Graham Brown, CEO at the Drone Trade Association ARPAS-UK.   

The team’s combined UAS experience, across commercial and defence sectors, include: research on drone standards, launch of rotary VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAVs and global roll out, support for UAV propulsion systems manufacturer and sensor deployment, creation of award winning drone service enterprise, commercial wins and project management of world first offshore operations, strategic insight papers, BVLOS proof of concept projects, ISR maritime security, blue chip service contracts, drone in a box commercialisation, global exclusivity agreements, mentorship/board advisory, foreign market entry, funding support, and many more.

“The Allan-Panthera-Pravo Consulting partnership is a powerful combination,” explained Philip Hicks, Founder and Principal Consultant of Pravo Consulting. “Allan-Panthera’s understanding of the legal and financial environment and how to navigate the multiple industry opportunities for those operating in the UAS sector is complementary to how Pravo Consulting works: they’ve actually been there and done it, and successfully, compared to others. This will enable us to help new and current players to develop opportunities in the exciting and fast-moving drone market.”

The two companies intend to focus efforts on the UAS and wider robotics market, followed by roll out to other disruptive technology sectors and will leverage established networks including Pravo Consulting’s worldwide associates.
“Partnering with Pravo Consulting to deliver enhanced value for our clients will allow us to provide the very best business and growth strategies to support the next generation of disruptive technologies, from two companies who have lived and breathed both the UAS sector and the markets they serve,” said Jamie Allan, Founder and CEO of Allan Panthera. “We’ve taken on three new staff to meet demand for our services, with further consultants joining in the summer. Campaign Catapult will enable our clients to access a portfolio of leading services to equip them for growth in one of the most exciting industry sectors, driving innovation and deployment of disruptive technologies and services.”

3 May 2021