DroneQ Robotics, in collaboration with Den Helder Airport, the air traffic control of Maritime Air Base De Kooy and METIP, held four drone test flights from Den Helder Airport, Netherlands on September 13. The purpose of these beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) test flights was to test procedures that could enable the future dual (manned/unmanned) use of Den Helder Airport.
In a linkedIn post, DroneQ said the distance flown was 10 kilometres per flight, which meant flying from Den Helder Airport to the beach, turning back over the sea and back to the airport via the same route, which is also flown by regular air traffic.
“During these first flights, procedures with Den Helder Airport and the air traffic control of De Kooy Maritime Air Base were tested, but the transport of cargo was also tested. In this case, medications.”
Permission was requested for each flight to allow the uncrewed systems to fly in between regular air traffic. DroneQ said the test was a success and that the flight preparations, procedures and coordination issues provided valuable information for subsequent test flights.
“These flights are a crucial first step in the future integration of drones into regular air traffic at Den Helder Airport. Through these test flights, we can demonstrate that drones can operate safely and efficiently alongside traditional aviation. This paves the way for future actual use of drones for transporting goods to the wind farms in the North Sea.”
The test flights also align with Den Helder Airport’s future vision, in which it hopes drones will play a greater role in the logistical tasks carried out from the airport.
For more information
Image: Den Helder Airport
