In early March French air navigation service provider DSNA selected eight Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) service providers to take part in a nationwide, U-space pre-operational programme. The participants are due to demonstrate UTM platform capabilities in designated airspace as part of the agency’s “U-space Together” programme. This follows DSNA’s selection of 11 civil partners using digital solutions to support pre-operational services at 12 sites. Trails will be carried out using Minimum Viable Product (MVP) solutions. Details about the project, its objectives, details of the four-step programme are outlined in a new publication available on the DSNA website.
The agency aims to fully support the drone industry by creating the best conditions to enable companies to innovate. It states: “DSNA brings its know-how including safety management as a core driver and collaborates with the Civil Drone Council, a strong industrial body. However, the uneven maturity of drone-based services, the number of UTM players, the number of business models, and the diversity of economic and operational contexts in France call for an iterative and open approach.”
DSNA is therefore fostering U-space solutions that will: “Enhance management of drones within controlled airspace; integrate remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS) operations into general air traffic; and meet the needs of safety, security and the economy in all categories of airspace in France.”
DSNA is also active in the exploratory research projects of the SESAR programme on U-space and UTM-related demonstrations. These include CORUS and USIS.
Among specific activities, DSNA launched the Aeronautical Information Management (AIM) programme SOFIA DRONE to support transformation of the supply of aeronautical information into digital form, including trials involving RPAS operations. DSNA is also collaborating with other actors to put in place measures to protect airports and complex environments. DSNA, Groupe ADP and Thales have developed the HOLOGARDE solution which is being deployed at Paris CDG airport after completing successful trials.
For more information visit:
https://www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/dsna_WAC_USPACE.pdf
