Drone delivery - ARPAS UK

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Exploring Emerging Technologies: NPCC’s Market Engagement for Sub 25kg UAS and Associated Equipment

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) wants to extend its technological horizons. This involves a strategic market engagement initiative, focusing on sub 25kg Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and associated equipment. This forward-looking approach aims to harness the potential of emerging technologies to bolster law enforcement efforts.

Technical Details and Submissions
Interested parties should respond to the market engagement by the deadline of August 8, 2024, at 00:00 (UK time). The engagement pertains to the acquisition of supplies, with Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) codes indicating the relevance to security, defense equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Submissions are expected to be made electronically via the EU Supply portal, streamlining the process for all parties.

Read more:
Public quote/tender – NPCC Market Engagement market in relation to sub 25kg Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and associated equipment (eu-supply.com)

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CAA’s Call for Input: Shaping the Future of UK UAS Regulations

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has taken a proactive step towards enhancing the regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the United Kingdom. In its recent announcement, stakeholders are invited to contribute their insights and perspectives in the ongoing effort to improve and streamline UAS regulations. This Call for Input represents a significant opportunity for the UAS industry and related stakeholders to actively shape the future of drone operations in the UK. The deadline for input is the 7th of September 2023.

Click Here

Stakeholders are encouraged to actively participate in the policy-making process by sharing their insights through the provided Online Response Form. This engagement is essential as it enables the CAA to consider a broad spectrum of viewpoints before finalizing its proposals. By inviting input from those directly involved in UAS operations, the CAA aims to create regulations that are not only effective but also practical and adaptable to the evolving UAS landscape.

Conclusion

As the deadline for feedback approaches on 7th September 2023, now is the time for stakeholders to make their voices heard and contribute to a brighter and more dynamic future for the UK’s UAS industry.

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Soliciting Drone Safety Feedback: Your Valuable Insights Needed

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requests the valued input of the drone and model aircraft community on two essential publications:

As the RPAS industry grows, understanding potential behaviours and reactions as remote pilots becomes crucial. Human error accounts for over 30% of reported loss of control (LOC) events, emphasising the need for vigilance.

Maintaining safety demands diligent pre-flight checks, prudent battery management, and heightened situational awareness. Share your perspectives via the Online Survey to contribute to drone safety.

Click here to access the survey

Mohammed Hasan

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CAP2555: Guidance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods as Cargo for UAS/RPAS Operators in the Specific Category

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced the issuance of CAP2555, providing comprehensive guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods (DG) for UAS/RPAS Operations in the Specific Category. The document was published on 27th July 2023.

This document has been developed to ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods when operating Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). It is applicable to RPAS operators in the Specific Category, both those with approval to carry DG and those without approval.

As part of the initiative, the CAA has made available two Manual Templates on its website:

These templates have been designed to facilitate streamlined procedures, adherence to safety standards, and promotion of responsible drone operations.

Operators of RPAS in the UK should note that the Application for Approval to Transport Dangerous Goods by Air (SRG2807) now extends to include RPAS operators. As such, all RPAS operators must comply with the guidelines outlined in CAP2555 during their operations.

It is important to highlight that the guidance material aligns with UK law, and any references to EU regulations or websites in this document are not applicable after the UK-EU transition.

Drone operators are encouraged to download the CAP2555 document in PDF format from the CAA website.

The CAA urges all RPAS operators to prioritise safety and responsibility while conducting operations. CAP2555 and the accompanying manual templates serve as invaluable resources to ensure the meticulous handling and transportation of dangerous goods in the drone industry.

Read more on the CAA website here.

Let us collectively endeavour to maintain the safety of the skies for the benefit of all and foster responsible drone operations.

Mohammed Hasan

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Altitude Angel Platform Launch Hailed as a ‘Key Step’ for UK Aviation

Drone flight approval platform can catapult the UK to the top of the world ‘drone readiness’ table

Baroness Vere, Aviation Minister, hails the platform launch ‘a key step’ for UK aviation

London, UK: Altitude Angel, the world’s most trusted UTM (Unified Traffic Management) technology provider, is to provide all UK airports with the ability to become ‘UTM Ready’ and by doing so will put the UK at the top of the world’s most advanced nations for drone operations and service readiness.

Whilst Japan, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Italy, have seen their drone ecosystems develop faster than the UK’s due to regulatory advancements, none have been able to deploy a standard, nationwide, digital approval service across its airport infrastructure.

But from Monday the UK will have the opportunity to leap ahead and lead the ‘drone readiness’ table as operators, and in the future air taxi pilots, across the country will be able to submit requests to fly in the controlled airspace of over 120 airports via the Drone Assist app and DroneSafetyMap.com, which are connected to Altitude Angel’s Approval Services platform.

On this significant digital milestone for the UK’s airport infrastructure, Aviation Minister Baroness Vere, said: “Aviation goes beyond the traditional modes of flying and is fast becoming a hub of revolutionary new methods of flight so it’s important that the UK is ready for the next generation of flight.

“This platform will help make airspace more accessible for innovative aircraft, keeping track of those who want to fly in airport airspace and is a key step towards achieving the ambitious outcomes that we are setting through the Future of Flight Industry Group.”

Airports already supported by Approval Services will be able to approve (or decline) the flight request digitally, in some cases giving the operator an almost instantaneous answer.

For those airports which aren’t connected to the digital platform and are still using analogue processes, Altitude Angel will facilitate the request on behalf of the operator by issuing the relevant airport a detailed summary of the planned UAS operation, via email, to ensure compliance with Article 94A of the Air Navigation Order 2016 so further co-ordination and approval can occur. Crucially, this provides the drone operator with a seamless experience at any airport, whereas today each can be different.

“This is a major step for the UK as we put in place the foundations on which our [the UK’s] future transport and delivery infrastructure will be built”, said Richard Parker, Altitude Angel, CEO and founder.

“By rolling out our platform to all airports, we’re saying to the world the UK is ready and open to UAS and crewed aircraft, sharing the same skies, safely and securely. By bringing the digitisation of drone approvals in managed airspace, we’ve cleared the first hurdle on the path to automated drone operations.”

Altitude Angel’s UTM Ready programme will classify airports in one of three categories depending on its ability to approve drone operations digitally, and also sets out a pathway for advancing airports from one level to the next.

A UTM Ready airport will have full digital approvals available. These facilities have deployed compatible UTM services which enable Altitude Angel (or any 3^rd party connected to it) to submit and receive full digital flight authorisations. If using Altitude Angel’s GuardianUTM services, these airports can enable automation or deep integration with existing airport systems, including Counter-UAS.
Those classified as Basic will have no digital approvals, but support electronic notification, typically via email.
Legacy airports have no published electronic means of obtaining digital approvals. Instead, these facilities will typically only offer slow, or analogue means of seeking approval such as via fax, or a telephone call.

In May, Altitude Angel released several significant upgrades to Drone Assist which included a feature providing a direct connection to Altitude Angel’s UTM platform, offering ‘one-tap flight authorisations’ at connected airports and facilities worldwide. Already established as the flight planning app for professional and recreational drone pilots alike, Drone Assist is the foundation stone on which the UK can build a £40billion drone economy.

For more information on Approval Services visit here, and for UTM Ready visit here.

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Altitude Angel Begins Rolling Out Purpose-built Low-Altitude Aviation Surveillance Network

Network includes ADS-B, Mode S and SDR capabilities plus ability to detect existing and future ‘Remote ID’ broadcasts

London, UK: Altitude Angel, the world’s most trusted UTM (Unified Traffic Management) technology provider, has today announced it has begun its deployments of what is planned to be the largest commercial, aviation-grade sensor network specifically optimised for wide-area low-altitude drone and aircraft detection, in the UK.

Incorporating purpose-built ADS-B and Mode S receivers, as well as comprehensive SDR (Software Defined Radio) capabilities, the network is also capable of detecting existing and future ‘Remote ID’ broadcasts from transmitters on drones, as well as collecting transmission information from the common control systems used to pilot them. This means the sensor network will detect drones which are intentionally electronically broadcasting their location, as well as many which are not. And due to the detection technologies used by Altitude Angel, low-flying crewed aviation can be detected and located using other passive sensors even when they are not broadcasting any signal.

This additional data received by the sensor network is ‘fused’ with Altitude Angel’s already extensive air-surveillance picture (taken from primary sources – such as the sensor arrays deployed on its ARROW towers and trusted secondary providers), to create a high-resolution, near real-time digital map of the low-altitude airspace.

The capability to detect aircraft and drones at lower altitudes is becoming increasingly important and yet, it is exceptionally difficult to do well. Existing systems offer patchy coverage and a ‘one-size fits all’ approach, which means low-altitude aviation broadcasts – such as those from low-flying general aviation aircraft – can be missed, are focused only one particular type of transmission, or due to the equipment used, are often delayed by up to a minute or more. Low-latency is of paramount importance to navigation: a key reason for Altitude Angel’s new network being launched.

The new network has been extensively tested across four sites, but is being rolled out to a further 30 sites across the Midlands and Southeast of England. Altitude Angel is also announcing a programme to enable authorities to soon extend coverage where required, in turn, giving them access to the overall surveillance picture.

“In building this network we’re building the most comprehensive, real-time picture of whatever is moving through the country’s low-altitude airspace,” said Richard Parker, Altitude Angel, CEO and founder. “Coupled with our ARROW technology, the sensor network is a key component in the enablement of the digitisation of low-altitude airspace, leading toward greater visibility of air traffic, and enabling automated BVLOS drone operations anywhere in the UK at scale, while providing operators of uncrewed aircraft the security they need to operate safely in unsegregated airspace.”

Most people are familiar with ‘plane tracking software’, such as Flight Radar or FlightAware, which are great for tracking large aircraft or aircraft at higher altitudes. However, the Altitude Angel network has been designed from the outset to facilitate new and future airspace users, such as drones and UAM operators, whose operations will largely take place in lower airspace.

A dedicated, new, network is needed because at lower altitudes broadcast signals from aircraft are not always reliably received since they were designed for broadcast at higher altitudes. This network is different because it has been specifically optimised and positioned to uniquely work across the UK’s topography, guaranteeing better reception.

Furthermore, the network is being rolled-out using certified, robust, and resilient aviation-grade hardware, and not reliant on hobbyist-style equipment, as is commonly the case. ADS-B is commonly used by general aviation and other air users to broadcast aircraft location and are sometimes carried by drones. Mode S is a Secondary Surveillance Radar process which allows for multilateration of each aircraft according to a unique 24-bit address, or remote ID.

Approved third parties may apply for access to the surveillance data stream through Altitude Angel’s Developer Platform.

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NATS on 26th July: Airspace Modernisation: Transforming the Skies

Airspace, the invisible motorways in the sky, forms the backbone of the entire aviation industry. Facilitating the safe operation of tens of thousands of flights daily, this critical infrastructure is relied upon 24/7 to bolster the UK’s global connections. However, with its roots dating back to the 1950s, the current airspace structure struggles to accommodate the advanced capabilities of modern aircraft and often compels them to fly less direct routes, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The Urgent Need for Airspace Modernisation

The aviation industry faces a pressing challenge to reduce its environmental impact amidst the ongoing climate crisis. Modernising airspace emerges as a vital solution to address this issue, offering a simpler, safer, and more fuel-efficient future for air travel. By optimising flight paths and leveraging advanced technologies, today’s aircraft can fly more direct routes and execute quicker climbs and continuous descents, thereby minimizing carbon emissions and contributing to the decarbonisation of the aviation sector.

Complexity and Benefits of Airspace Modernisation

Revamping airspace is undoubtedly a complex endeavour, but its rewards are significant. The process will streamline air travel, enhance safety, and foster environmental sustainability. Notably, modern aircraft will be able to fully utilise their advanced capabilities, ensuring more efficient and eco-friendly operations.

Experience of NATS: Delivering the UK’s Largest Airspace Changes

NATS, the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, has been at the forefront of delivering the country’s most significant airspace changes. Drawing from their expertise, this episode of Altitude delves into their experiences, exploring the tools and technologies employed during the modernisation process.

Challenges and Collaborative Efforts

Transforming some of the world’s busiest airspace presents numerous challenges that require careful planning and execution. However, with insights from key industry stakeholders, including aviation authorities and airlines, the episode sheds light on the collaborative nature of airspace modernisation. Working together becomes the cornerstone of progress, ensuring that all stakeholders’ perspectives are considered to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Join NATS Altitude for Insightful Discussions

Click here to be part of the conversation on Wednesday, 26 July, at 15:00 UK time, as panel experts delve into the crucial topic of airspace modernisation and its pivotal role in combatting the climate crisis. Tune in to learn how this transformation is set to shape the aviation industry’s sustainable future, making air travel greener and more efficient.

Together, let’s explore the path to a safer, cleaner, and more interconnected aviation landscape through airspace modernisation.

Airspace Modernisation: Transforming The Skies (on24.com)

Mohammed Hasan

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Unlocking the Future of Travel: Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) UK Economic Impact Study by PwC

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) UK Economic Impact Study is a comprehensive report published by PwC. They are widely recognised for their expertise in conducting in-depth research and providing strategic insights across various industries. The study aims to assess the viability and potential of AAM in the United Kingdom by analysing its socioeconomic impact, comparing it to existing transportation options, and identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with its adoption. Leveraging their extensive knowledge and experience, PwC presents a detailed examination of the economic modelling approach and key findings, shedding light on the transformative possibilities that AAM can bring to the UK’s travel landscape.

Key takeaways:

AAM has the potential to generate an annual socioeconomic benefit of £2.1 billion for the UK economy.
It could also generate £297 million in annual fares, opening up new opportunities for businesses and passengers.
AAM’s environmental impact is remarkable, with the potential to reduce annual emissions by 222 million tons of CO2e, equivalent to taking 120,000 diesel cars off the road.

For further information, read on…

July 18, 2023

Mohammed Hasan

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Future Flight: Securing Investment and Showcasing Your Business- August 3rd

Securing investment in the rapidly evolving field of Future Flight is a crucial aspect for businesses aiming to drive innovation and growth. To shed light on effective strategies for showcasing your business and attracting investment, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is hosting a webinar titled “Future Flight: Securing Investment and Showcasing Your Business.”

Taking place on Thursday, August 3, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to hear from prominent investors who have deployed capital into companies operating within the Future Flight space. Participants will gain valuable insights into the criteria and expectations of private finance providers and learn how to effectively present their business opportunities for securing investment

Follow the link to find out more:

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/events/future-flight-securing-investment-and-scaling-sustainably-webinar/

Follow Innovate UK KTN on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ktnuk/

Follow UK Research and Innovation on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/uk-research-innovation/

Mohammed Hasan

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Opportunities for Investing in Future Flight- July 27th

The field of Future Flight is rapidly evolving, with advancements in advanced air mobility, drones, and electric regional flight opening up new horizons for innovation. To delve into the investment potential within this dynamic sector, Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is hosting a webinar titled “Opportunities for Investing in Future Flight.”

This webinar, scheduled for Thursday, July 27, aims to shed light on the market opportunities, successful developments, and routes to commercial success within the Future Flight landscape. Whether you are a manufacturer, user, investor, or part of an industry group, this webinar provides a unique platform to explore investment prospects and gain valuable insights from key industry leaders.