Identifying key criteria necessary for fully autonomous operations
The safe integration of drones into manned airspace requires a universal platform connecting various stakeholders (drone operators, regulators, law enforcement agencies and product developers) and providing interoperability between different systems in a unified environment. EuroDRONE tested different concepts, technologies and architectures to promote the cooperation of the relevant stakeholders in an U-space environment. By using cloud software and hardware, the research experimented with U-space functionalities ranging from initial services to more advanced services such as automated detect and avoid. A series of demonstration flights in Missolonghi, Greece, helped to identify technology, architecture and user requirements necessary for U-space.
EuroDRONE conducted highly automated unmanned flights using a cloud-based UTM system connected to a miniature, intelligent transponder processing board on drones fully capable of flight mission planning.
The tests used an innovative vehicle to infrastructure link (V2I), integrated to a self- learning UTM platform, with a capability to share flight information in real time.
The flights demonstrated end-to-end UTM applications focusing on both visual and BVLOS logistics and emergency services. Among the main activities, the project identified key user needs and regulatory challenges, and compared the results with the CONOPS. The findings were used to define a practical, automated cloud-based UTM system architecture, and to validate this architecture using simulation and live demonstrations.
In conclusion, the project demonstrated robust end-to-end UTM cloud operations, including beyond visual line of sight medical deliveries over 10km in coordination with air traffic control and commercial operation.
It also demonstrated innovative vehicle to infrastructure and vehicle to vehicle (V2V) communications, equipped with operational detect and avoid algorithms. The flights were able to demonstrate high levels of autonomy using cloud-based infrastructure envisaged for an advanced UTM environment. The demonstrations ranged from sea areas to countryside and urban environments, and tested LTE communications links.
