Astra UTM and AirMarket have announced the next phase of their ongoing UTM collaboration. The announcement follows their selection to conduct the RTM trials in Canada under the supervision of Transport Canada and NAV Canada, whereby Astra UTM’s platform will be at the core of the AirMarket’s envisioned UTM architecture for the beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) trials, according to the Astra press release.
Starting in a 425 km corridor in Northern Alberta, the partners will be conducting cellular-enabled UTM and sensing data services in conjunction with Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada (PTAC). The trial aims to generate data and experience that will be used by Transport Canada in the development of regulations for BVLOS drone operations and the delivery of commercial cellular-enabled UTM services.
Astra UTM is making available its full suite of capabilities including tactical deconfliction and digital surface modeling engines for real-time traffic advisory notifications and obstacle avoidance services respectively. Astra UTM is also deploying its 4G transponders for real-time tracking and monitoring of drone operations leveraging AirMarket’s collaboration with Canadian telco services provider TELUS.
Ayhan Kamil, Chief Commercial Officer at Astra UTM said: “Astra UTM shares AirMarket’s vision of leveraging the cellular infrastructure as one of the core elements of UTM and as such we are thrilled to see AirMaket through their partners TELUS establishing that link and making connectivity available to the Drone-UTM ecosystem. This has potential beyond the ANSP U-space services and serves as a gateway to enterprise UTM services for numerous use-cases as well.
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