Flylogix, in partnership with NATS (National Air Traffic Services) and energy major Total, announce the successful completion of their open airspace test flight project.
The project is part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) innovation sandbox. Working with the regulators and partners, Flylogix have successfully developed and demonstrated a concept of operations that enables the operation of unmanned air systems (UAS) in open airspace throughout the North Sea.
The project, which completed this month, marks a significant development towards UAS operating more widely in open airspace. The test flights have effectively demonstrated key capabilities that include UAS surveillance and electronic conspicuity (EC), the ability of the UAS to follow tactical commands from air traffic controllers, and the ability of the UAS and remote pilot to respond to a variety of emergencies.
The project is part-funded by the OGTC and is part of Flylogix’s vision of transforming remote operations through the deployment of routine beyond visual line of sight services. The success of this project is key to unlocking the true value of unmanned services throughout the North Sea, and will bring huge environmental, safety and cost benefits to the energy sector.
”The success of the test flights has demonstrated what can be achieved by air traffic services, operators and regulators working together
Charles Tavner, Executive Chairman at Flylogix, said: “It’s great to be able to announce the successful completion of open airspace test flights. These flights will advance the industry’s demand to safely operate unmanned aircraft in open airspace and take us closer to our vision of transforming remote operations and realising significant environmental, economic and safety benefits.
We are grateful to our partners at NATS, Total, OGTC and CAA for making this possible.”
Mark Watson, Head of UTM Service Integration at NATS said: “The success of the test flights has demonstrated what can be achieved by air traffic services, operators and regulators working together and using existing procedures and technology to unlock the integration of unmanned systems into the wider aviation community”
Kris Kydd, Robotics Leader at Total said: “Total have real requirements for this pioneering technology in support of our offshore assets, and are now in a place where we want to deploy its capabilities to reduce risks and costs across the business – this work is critical to unlocking that value.”
Frederic Laugere, Innovation Services Lead at CAA said: “This project is demonstrating the benefits of regulators and operators working together. Together, we are accelerating learnings that are critical to enable BVLOS operations in non-segregated airspace and move the industry forward.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Flylogix is a team of innovative, practically minded engineers, scientists and operators who are transforming the business of remote operations using unmanned aviation systems for over-horizon operations in remote locations.
Flylogix is pioneering the integration of in-house developed software, artificial intelligence, satellite communications with small UAVs and deployable ground stations.
Flylogix is Fareham based and operates a fleet of FX2 unmanned aircraft from locations across the UK, from major commercial airports to short, isolated airstrips.
Flylogix was recently (May 2020) selected to participate in the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) innovation sandbox. This offers innovative companies the chance to collaborate over emerging concepts, helping keep the UK’s aviation sector the forefront of technology
