UK Police to create a Centre of Excellence for Public Safety Drone Operations
The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Drones portfolio want UK police forces to be at the leading edge of public safety drone operations. To support this ambition they will develop a Centre of Excellence.
It will align drone training and procedures to a national standard that puts the safety of people on the ground and other airspace users first and enhances operational effectiveness. An Authorised Professional Practice (APP) will provide police drone pilots and senior officers with guidelines that ensure the maximum benefits are gained from drones in support of policing, while templates for Operational Authorisations will help local forces deliver the drone support their frontline officers need.
As they develop our Centre of Excellence they will work collaboratively with other public safety entities around the world to share best practice and enhance their capabilities.
4 July 2023
SAM IS ....
ARPAS-UK featured on Travel News Update
Travel News Update, recently published an insightful article shedding light on ARPAS-UK, the renowned drone community trade association. The article delves into the association’s founding, objectives, and the crucial role it plays in supporting and promoting innovation and best practices within the drone industry. With a focus on collaboration, ARPAS-UK’s partnerships with industry regulators and government departments are highlighted, emphasising its commitment to shaping the regulatory framework and ensuring safe and professional drone operations. Travel News Update’s article serves as an invaluable resource, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of ARPAS-UK’s pivotal role in driving standards, fostering professionalism, and shaping the future of the drone industry in the UK.
Travel News Update, is a reputable source of travel-related information, offering up-to-date news and insights to its readers. With a focus on various aspects of the travel industry, including aviation, transportation, and tourism, Travel News Update keeps its audience well-informed about the latest trends, developments, and events. The platform’s commitment to delivering accurate and timely content ensures that travellers and industry professionals have access to valuable updates that can enhance their travel experiences and decision-making. Whether it’s news about new destinations, travel restrictions, or emerging technologies, Travel News Update provides a reliable resource for staying informed in the dynamic world of travel.
ARPAS-UK extends its sincere gratitude to Travel News Update for featuring the association. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to showcase our work and the drone industry as a whole. Collaborations and partnerships are instrumental in fostering growth and driving innovation within the industry, and we are committed to forging strong connections with fellow stakeholders. Together, we can continue to advance the safe and responsible integration of drones while supporting the development of robust regulatory frameworks. ARPAS-UK looks forward to future collaborations and the collective growth of the industry.
BT Group and SkyLift Achieve Milestones in UK Drone Operations: Advanced Communication and Safety Systems for Scalable BVLOS Missions
BT Group and, esteemed ARPAS-UK member SkyLift,recently achieved significant milestones in the field of drone operations in the UK. They successfully conducted demonstration flights utilising fellow ARPAS-UK Member, uAvionix’s SkyLine cloud-based command and control (C2) system, which communicated over C-Band and LTE. These flights accomplished two firsts for the UK’s unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations.
Firstly, the demonstration involved operational Command and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) C2 systems using C-Band and LTE via BT’sDrone SIM. This demonstrated the viability of assured CNPC C2 communications for UAS, meeting the proposed Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS EC standard by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It offers a reliable and integrated airspace solution for safe BVLOS missions.
Secondly, the demonstration involved the transmission of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) OUT on 978 MHz, enabling detect and avoid (DAA) operations. By utilising uAvionix’s technology, the drone could effectively detect and avoid potential obstacles, enhancing the safety of the operations.
“Today’s successful operations at Bentwaters Park represent a significant milestone necessary for scaling BVLOS operations to meet desired business objectives,” said Toby Moores, SkyLift CEO. “Use of SkyLine with BT’s Drone SIM and aviation C-Band for Command and Control coupled with ADS-B OUT for Electronic Conspicuity and the SkyFleet Ground Control System provided our operators continuous, assured control of the aircraft and unparalleled situational awareness throughout all the flights. The technology was easily integrated into our aircraft and ground control system and deployed through a process that we can quickly replicate for businesses seeking to achieve scalable BVLOS operations.”
The SkyLift team operated its fixed wing UAS from Bentwaters Park, an ex-Royal Air Force/USAF airfield two hours from London utilizing their SkyFleet Ground Control System. Nearby Adastral Park, home of BT Group’s innovation labs, served as the location for a fixed, remote ground radio station (GRS) approximately 12 kilometers southwest. There are multiple BT LTE towers in the area and two mobile GRS with LTE backhaul connectivity were also deployed.
“At Etc., the incubation team within BT Group’s Digital unit, we are keenly focused on the UK becoming a leader for commercial drone operations. Achieving these two firsts in one afternoon is significant and demonstrates how quickly we can integrate and deploy our technology for BVLOS missions,” said Ed Hunter, Senior Product Manager – Drones at Etc. “Collaborating with SkyLift and uAvionix brought together two cloud-based systems powered by EE’s advanced LTE connectivity and purpose-built Drone SIM, which is currently being trialed across the UK to deliver ultra reliable communications that can be scaled across many industries, from drone-enabled medical deliveries to power line inspections and search and rescue.”
Two flights were conducted to independently verify the BT Drone SIM connection and the uAvionix aviation C-Band data links. The third and final flight demonstrated the optimized use of both the BT Drone SIM and aviation C-Band datalinks for fully operational CNPC C2. Successful link management and make-before-break connections between the two datalinks were achieved using the uAvionix SkyLine UAS BVLOS cloud-based service and hardware including a SkyStation5060POE GRS, two SkyStation5060LTE mobile GRS, a muLTElink5060 airborne radio system with the BT Drone SIM, and a uAvionix truFYX GPS installed on the aircraft. In concert, the flight also demonstrated the use of ADS-B OUT transmission from the aircraft on 978 MHz for Electronic Conspicuity. The signal was provided by a uAvionix microUAT device.
Callum Holland, Transformation Lead for Future Safety & Innovation at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said, “The CAA is committed to enabling the adoption of new technologies and standards to facilitate the wider integration of RPAS into UK airspace. We’re proud to have supported the UK’s first RPAS integration of ADS-B Out, operating on 978MHz, as well as a Command Link operating simultaneously over 4G LTE and in the C-Band protected aviation spectrum. This demonstration represents both our commitment to delivering the Electronic Conspicuity vision, as outlined within the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, and facilitating the adoption of high assurance datalinks for RPAS command and control.”
The achievements at Bentwaters Park underline the progress made in the field of drone communication and safety systems, providing a foundation for the expansion of infrastructure across the country. With continued collaboration and technological advancements, the UK is positioned to lead the way in commercial drone operations.
Enjoyed the Article? Follow the links below to read more:
The contents of this article were inspired by and based on information sourced from an article by uAvionix. We acknowledge and appreciate their valuable insights and contributions to the field of drone operations and communication systems.
Mohammed Hasan
SAM IS ....
Capturing the Majestic Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway from Above
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, the renowned preserved railway line, has recently unveiled a captivating perspective of its historic tracks. For the first time in its 134-year history, the railway has been captured from the air, thanks to the advanced drone technology provided by Networx3 UAV. The award-winning Matrice M30T and DJI Avata drones, operated by skilled pilot Olivia Cambridge, have produced a mesmerizing short film showcasing the scenic beauty of the railway and its iconic locomotive, Beatrice. This groundbreaking aerial footage offers viewers a unique bird’s eye view of this volunteer-run railway and presents an exciting glimpse into its rich heritage.
Networx3 UAV, renowned for its expertise in roof surveys, wind turbine inspections, and safety work in gas pipelines, demonstrated the versatility of their drones by capturing stunning and atmospheric footage of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. Equipped with high-definition cameras capable of capturing minute details even from a kilometer away, the drones’ capabilities provided a truly immersive experience. Olivia Cambridge, the skilled drone pilot, skillfully maneuvered the drones to follow Beatrice as it traversed the snow-covered Yorkshire Dales, presenting viewers with breath-taking shots of the picturesque landscape.
The short film takes viewers on an enchanting journey through the heart of the railway. The video showcases the restored locomotive Beatrice, puffing through plumes of steam, and arriving at the historic Embsay Station, which boasts beautifully preserved Victorian features. The film’s immersive perspective offers a glimpse into the powerful magic of this majestic steam engine, highlighting the dedication of the volunteers and the historic significance of the railway.
Collaboration for a Greener Future
In addition to capturing the railway’s beauty, Networx3 UAV has joined forces with Squirrel Energy, experts in green energy solutions. As part of their collaboration, Networx3 UAV’s commercial drone pilots conducted detailed roof inspections on the railway’s engine sheds. While their primary objective was to assist with the installation of solar panels to address the railway’s soaring electricity bill, they creatively harnessed their professional skills to produce a short promotional video for the railway.
Networx3 UAV’s ground breaking aerial film of the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway showcases the beauty and historical significance of this preserved line. From its scenic surroundings to the meticulously restored locomotive Beatrice, the short film offers a fresh perspective on the railway’s enchanting atmosphere. Through their collaboration with Squirrel Energy, Networx3 UAV demonstrates their commitment to sustainability while capturing the timeless allure of this volunteer-run railway.
If you enjoyed this article check out the following links for more information:
PwC’s Inspiring Insights for opportunities within the UK Drone Industry
PwC: Building Trust in Commercial Drones
“Only 43% think industry is using commercial drones effectively”. Recently, PwC UK published Trust in Commercial Drones, an assessment of how industry attitudes to drones have changed over the past three years and the implications for actions to grow the UK drone economy. PwC stated “It was our pleasure to work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology team on this project”.
The 2022 Skies Without Limits v2.0 (PwC) report showed the considerable potential for drones to positively impact the UK economy. The report noted that, to achieve this potential, there were several barriers to overcome. These included perception, (manner of drone) implementation, technology, regulation and skills.
In late 2022, PwC refreshed the 2019 “Building Trust in Drones” market research to assess how business attitudes towards drones have changed over the last 3 years. They went further than the 2019 work and tested the market research findings with selected drone industry players who either purchased drone services or provided drone services.
…but only 43% think industry is using commercial drones effectively.
Issues include drone service provider credibility, clarity of drone benefits, lack of industry-specific qualifications and restrictive regulations.
The drone industry thinks action is needed on : – Regulation – Publicity – Funding – Qualifications – Business case
Focussing regulatory efforts in market segments with compelling use cases may accelerate drone adoption.
Graham Brown, Chairman of ARPAS-UK, commented that the article is “an interesting read.” Additionally, Craig Lippett, Head of Technical Services at Eagle Eye Innovations Ltd, commented “…a fascinating and encouraging read…” Their positive feedback further emphasises the value and significance of the insights provided by PwC in their analysis of the UK drone economy.
This article has been adapted from an original LinkedIn post by Craig Roberts, Head of Drones at PWC. PWC are an ARPAS-UK Member.
16 June 2023
SAM IS ....
Professor Iain Gray CBE appointed Knight Batchelor
Professor Iain Gray CBE, Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2023, appointed Knight Batchelor for services to the aerospace industry.
Iain spent his industry career at the highest levels in aerospace with roles at BAE Systems and Airbus. He became Director of Engineering, then Managing Director at Airbus UK and was the first Chief Executive of Innovate UK following its establishment in 2007.
Iain joined Cranfield University in 2015 as Director of Aerospace, continuing the university’s strong heritage in applied research and teaching for the aviation sector, and leading strategic relationships with the world’s major aerospace industry organisations.
He holds a number of NED positions, was previously a Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and is currently a Chair of the Board of Trustees for Aerospace Bristol. He was awarded a CBE in 2014 for his services towards innovation and is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Royal Society of Arts. He is also a member of the UK Jet Zero Council
Iain also chairs the Drone Industry Action Group. We are delighted to see that his accomplishments and capabilities have been recognised in this way.
Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng said:
On behalf of everyone at Cranfield University I want to send the warmest congratulations to Iain on this honour. Iain is widely respected not just by his colleagues and students, but by those in industry, government and in international partnerships. His remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of aerospace and I know will continue to inspire future generations.
Professor Gray said: “I feel extremely honoured to be recognised in this way. I discovered my passion for aerospace and aviation at an early age through Concorde and it was after I completed my Engineering degree at Aberdeen University that I decided to pursue a career in aerospace.
“I feel enormously lucky to have had such a fulfilling career in this sector with the highlight being involved in the development of the Airbus A380. I have worked with some amazing people and thank all the talented and dedicated colleagues across industry, government and academia who have played such an important part in my career. In my current role at Cranfield it is a privilege to see the huge potential of the next generation coming through into the world of aviation and aerospace.
“It has been quite special to be part of the team at Cranfield building the next generation of capability and facilities under the banner of Cranfield Global Research Airport.”
Outstanding lifetime achievement honour
Iain was also recently appointed Companion of The Air League, a hugely prestigious industry honour in recognition of his outstanding lifetime achievements in the aerospace industry. He was presented with this award by Sir Chris Harper, President of The Air League’s on 14 June at Westminster Palace.
The Air League is the UK’s leading aviation, aerospace, and space charity. Companionship of the Air League is the League’s highest order for an individual and is the most appropriate form of recognition following outstanding achievements within aviation and aerospace over a lifetime.
Acknowledgments have flooded in to him from across industry:
Professor Graham Braithwaite: “Whenever I am at an event with him, I am reminded of his rockstar gravitas across the industry, but at the same time, he couldn’t be more humble. His wide-eyed enthusiasm for everything aerospace is absolutely electrifying – his love for the sector translates effortlessly into his optimism and creativity for what lies ahead.”
Sameer Samani: “Genuinely, I struggle to think of an aerospace and aviation champion who deserves this more. Many congratulations, Sir Ian – an amazing honour for a wonderful ambassador for our industry.”
Kevin Maher: “Congratulations Sir Iain! The influence you have goes even beyond the monumental work your have done for Aerospace in the UK. A lot of us under your “wing” went on to Automotive, the toy industry and others, your leadership style has influenced many for a lifetime. Hugely derserved honour.”
17 June 2023
SAM IS ....
CAA test site requirements consultation: 15 June 2023 3.30-4.30pm
The CAA is holding an innovations test site requirements consultation which is an online briefing event.
The CAA is looking to facilitate the safe development of new RPAS and AAM concepts in the United Kingdom, as part of the Government’s ambition to make Britain a world leader for new forms of aviation. A key enabler of this ambition is the establishment of safe and useful test sites, where market entrants can test and evaluate their products.
To achieve this they need the views of the aviation community, to ensure that sites have the characteristics that enable research aims to be achieved, and for them to learn about the technologies they will need to certify.
They have set up this online briefing session to give more details on the aims of this exercise and to launch an accompanying survey, which they would really appreciate you to complete.
Transforming Aviation Together: launching the Future Flight Community Integration Group
Innovate UK is pleased to announce the establishment of the Future Flight Community Integration Group, a collaborative initiative driven by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Flight Challenge.
The Future Flight Community Integration Group comprises a diverse range of members, including representatives from central and local government, industry, academia, end users, and an accessibility charity. ARPAS-UK is delighted to be involved and will draw on our own organisations and networks to bring input from others and ensure diverse voices are heard.
Kerissa Khan, Innovation Lead for UKRI’s Future Flight challenge and Co-Chair of the Community Integration Group, said:
The future of aviation is at a pivotal point. Advanced air mobility and drones are transforming the aviation sector, unlocking opportunities to better serve people and places with future flight. To secure the socio-economic benefits, we need to trailblaze pragmatic pathways to seamlessly integrate these new technologies and services into society. The variety of complexities we must tackle demands a collaborative approach drawing insights from across industry, government, and many different communities. I am pleased to launch the Future Flight Community Integration Group and am looking forward to bringing together diverse expertise, providing a forum for knowledge sharing and working together with a shared ambition to make future flight a reality across the UK.
Aleks Kowalski, ARPAS-UK Director, and its representative on the Community Integration Group, said:
ARPAS is pleased to have a seat on the Future Flight Community Integration Group as we recognise that drones have the potential to revolutionise how we connect people, transport goods, and deliver services in urban, rural, and remote areas, offering transformative opportunities for the aviation industry. By understanding and addressing legitimate community concerns we can design services that also bring significant social and economic benefits to society and highlight the positive opportunities that future flight services can bring, demonstrating the potential for enhanced connectivity, improved transportation, and expanded service delivery.
We look forward to supporting networking and collaboration opportunities among stakeholders, fostering partnerships, knowledge sharing, and innovative initiatives that drive progress in the aviation industry and beyond to deliver outputs such as plans, roadmaps, policy insights, and recommendations to guide the integration of drone services into local communities and regions to create a sustainable aviation ecosystem by considering environmental factors, community needs, and long-term viability in the deployment of future flight technologies.
CHIRP’s aviation programme improves safety in the air by providing a totally independent confidential reporting system for all individuals involved in aviation in UK airspace.
CHIRP has recently changed its telephone contact number to 020 4534 2881. The preferred method of submitting a report remains the website portal but telephone contact provides a means of liaising directly with the CHIRP team if necessary.
