Insert a drone in the European sky
(BRUSSELS2) The European Defense Agency (EDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) conducted a test on Wednesday (April 24) aimed at " define and test air traffic control and procedures applicable to a drone (Remotely piloted aircraft RPAS) ". A drone took off from the Murcia base in Spain for a six-hour flight in civil and military airspace.
Testing the use of drones beyond the horizon
The purpose of the test was to use drones beyond the horizon line (Beyond line of sight) via a satellite which carried out the link and communication with the pilot on the ground.
The exercise demonstrated that the aircraft could be integrated into both civil and military airspace by following the instructions of air traffic controllers. A frontal collision risk test was also carried out with a piloted device from the Spanish Air Academy. This flight made it possible to collect data which will be compared and analyzed with the safety requirements of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
A test for the future
Objective of the test (*): “ assess safety with satellite links and pilot response capabilities on the ground in routine operations and emergency situations ". " The current legislation does not indeed offer a harmonized framework in Europe which would allow drones to fly in civil airspace and in particular beyond the line of the horizon. we explain to the Agency. This state of fact " hinders their use and application in civilian spheres, which makes it difficult for European industries to develop the technologies and equipment that will make their use possible in the future ».
(*) The test is part of the DeSIRE project (Demonstration of Satellites enabling the Insertion of RPAS in Europe) which aims to promote drones in Europe with a view to dual use (civilian and military). A project carried by the two European agencies and a consortium of European companies (German, Italian, French, Luxembourgish, Dutch) led by the Spanish INDRA.