#dronesforgood - ARPAS UK

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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.

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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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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

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DfT seeks aviation ambassadors for 2024

The Department for Transport is looking for 10 Aviation Ambassadors for 2024. The DfT ambassadors will work to raise the profile of the aviation industry, help develop and deliver outreach programmes and to improve career pathways.

It’s a voluntary role, although expenses are available for some activities. You’ll be expected to attend four board meetings, an induction day and to spend roughly three hours per month working as an ambassador. A great opportunity for our next generation.

In order to be one of the chosen 10, the DfT want you to be predominantly in the UK for the next two years, to be able to pass a baseline security check and not to have served for two years in the role.

Highlighting Keith Bennett, a prominent figure in the drone industry, who has been an excellent ambassador for 2023. Keith’s background in the drone industry exemplifies the diverse perspectives that make the role of an ambassador even more valuable. ARPAS-UK encourages the participation of individuals within the drone industry to engage and advocate for the integration of drones within the broader aviation sphere.

Applications close on September 8th

More information and links to the application form can be found here.

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Enhance Your Skills and Unlock Opportunities with ECITB’s Foundation Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Training Course

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, have revolutionised various industries with their versatile applications. To tap into this transformative potential and ensure safe and efficient operations on industrial sites, the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) offers a comprehensive Foundation UAS training course.

Mastering Drone Operations Safely and Effectively

The ECITB’s Foundation UAS training course provides participants with a profound understanding of drone functionality and operations within industrial environments. Designed to cater to a diverse audience, including existing employees, UAS pilots, aspiring drone professionals, and managers, the course equips individuals with valuable knowledge and skills that align with industry standards.

What Does the Course Cover?

Spanning five days, the course encompasses a range of topics crucial for drone operations on industrial sites. Participants learn to adhere to site policies and procedures while conducting safe drone flights. The practical flight competence test, a pivotal aspect of the course, evaluates participants’ ability to pilot drones in real-world scenarios. This test involves capturing, storing, and sharing viable images while complying with data protection regulations.

Furthermore, the course includes a quality-assured assessment that maintains consistency across all training providers. This standardized approach ensures the transferability of acquired skills and competence among operatives.

Who Can Benefit from This Training Course?

The ECITB’s Foundation UAS training course caters to diverse groups:

Existing Employees: Those looking to enhance their skills in operating UAS for their employers or boost their employability prospects.
UAS Pilots: Professionals seeking to provide services on industrial sites can further refine their skills and knowledge through this course.
Aspiring Professionals: Individuals interested in pursuing a career or business in the field of UAS gain valuable insights.
Managers: Managers looking to efficiently oversee contractors and operations on-site benefit from understanding drone operations.

Realising the Potential of Skilled Drone Operatives

The industrial sector’s increasing integration of UAS has brought about substantial benefits, including enhanced safety, improved efficiency, and significant cost savings. Industries like oil and gas have harnessed drones to mitigate work-at-height risks and navigate hazardous environments, ensuring worker safety.

The fusion of drone technology with traditional methods has led to safer and more efficient asset inspections. Drones offer cost-effective solutions for mapping construction sites, monitoring project progress, and obtaining precise survey data. With the ability to provide unparalleled accuracy and detailed datasets, drones are reshaping industrial practices.

Find out more by clicking here

Link: https://www.ecitb.org.uk/qualifications-and-training/foundation-unmanned-aircraft-systems-uas-training-course/

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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.