Uncrewed Systems Technology 043 l Auve Tech Iseauto taxi l Charging focus l Advanced Navigation Hydrus l UGVs insight l MVVS 116 l Windracers ULTRA l CES 2022 show report l ECUs focus I Distant Imagery

Future work Having undertaken substantial testing of the platform, systems and conops in realistic conditions to the satisfaction of detailed CAA scrutiny and audit, one of the remaining barriers to widespread commercial operations concerns airspace management. All BVLOS flights undertaken have to date been in segregated airspace in the form of Danger Areas or other forms of restricted airspace, but that is not sustainable for a number of reasons. The creation of new Danger Areas (both permanent and temporary) is unpopular with other airspace users as they impose major limitations. As the volume of UAV corridor applications increases, there will inevitably be a strong backlash from the general aviation, gliding and microlight communities as well as others. A consortium including Windracers, DA, Neuron and the University of Southampton has recently made a successful ‘Sandbox’ application to the UK’s CAA. This work is being funded under the UK Department for Transport Future Transport Zone. The Sandbox provides CAA support for the development of aviation-related innovations. This work package, entitled Project Lima, will evaluate a number of technologies to allow UAVs to share airspace with crewed aircraft. Over the next 6 months the project will undertake extensive testing of these technologies. Key to this will be the use of electronic conspicuity devices such as ADS-B units. The ULTRA is fitted with a certified ADS-B and Mode S transponder, and this has already proven its effectiveness in allowing nearby crewed aircraft and surveillance services to monitor the platform’s location. Extensive work is already underway in the UK and internationally to develop future airspace solutions; the Project Lima team is an active member of a much larger UK community engaged in this endeavour. We have representation on and input into many working groups, including the UK Future Airspace Industry Working Group, the Drone Industry Action Group, the Shared Airspace Council and the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. 89 Windracers ULTRA UAV | Digest Unmanned Systems Technology | April/May 2022 Early flight testing, at Llanbedr airfield in north Wales All BVLOS flights have to date been in segregated airspace in the form of Danger Areas, but that is not sustainable for various reasons