The integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into daily life is expected to bring numerous benefits across various sectors. However, this integration poses challenges in terms of safety, security, and reliability. Ensuring that these UAS coexist with current airspace users and the existing Air Traffic Management (ATM) system is crucial to avoid disruptions. This is particularly important for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, which require a robust infrastructure to ensure operational safety.

This solution focuses on providing modular and scalable (new technology) infrastructure for Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) in U-space. It ensures the safety, security, and reliability of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. By supporting a range of digital and automated U-space services, it enhances situational awareness for all participants in U-space ecosystem, which are the U-space stakeholders
This solution proposes a U-space architecture with (1) a surveillance enabler, as Skyler® radar, to track any non-cooperative aircraft in the area, (2) a ground infrastructure and an on-board Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) UAS equipment for a Command-and-control (C2) link, and (3) a secure network for data exchange between all systems for integration with U-space Services Providers (USSPs) and Common Information Service Providers (CISPs).

The solution is demonstrated through a series of different BVLOS operations departing from a vertiport in Class-C airspace (controlled airspace).

The project is coordinated with other U-space demonstration projects and with standardisation bodies, to ensure harmonisation of results and interoperability with other systems, to guarantee the commonality of ATM-UTM digital data exchange, and to foster the development of the UAS and U-space industry.
The provision of U-space services follows the EU Regulation 2021/664 of the guidance provided by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

BENEFITS

• Digital integration with existing Air Navigation Services Providers (ANSP) services
• Improve airspace capacity
• Enable safe, secure, and reliable BVLOS UAS operations trough a U-Space infrastructure
• Foster the use of electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle (eVTOLs)
• Enhance the situational awareness of airspace stakeholders