Thales to Lead Finland’s U-Space Pilot Project with VTT

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Thales Secures Key Role in Finland’s Cutting-Edge Drone Traffic System Pilot

Archyde | March 14, 2024

Thales has been selected to participate in a significant pilot project for Finland’s Technical Research Centre, VTT. The initiative focuses on developing and testing a robust Unmanned aircraft System (UAS) traffic management service, commonly known as U-Space.

This collaboration marks a crucial step towards integrating drones safely and efficiently into the national airspace. Thales’s expertise in aerospace and defense systems positions it to play a vital role in shaping the future of drone operations.

The VTT U-Space pilot aims to demonstrate the capabilities of advanced air traffic management solutions. These solutions are essential for managing an increasing number of drones for various commercial and public service applications.

Thales will be deploying its advanced U-Space platform. This system is designed to provide services such as flight authorization, traffic awareness, and conflict detection for drones operating at low altitudes.

The successful implementation of such systems is critical as regulations evolve to accommodate beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations. This pilot in Finland will contribute valuable data and insights for the broader European drone ecosystem.

By participating in this project,Thales reaffirms its commitment to innovation in the burgeoning drone and urban air mobility sectors. The insights gained will undoubtedly inform future developments in drone traffic management globally.

understanding U-Space and Drone Traffic Management

The U-Space concept is a set of services and procedures designed to ensure safe and efficient access to airspace for a large number of drones.It acts as an “air traffic control” system specifically for unmanned aircraft.

Key components of U-Space include registration of drone operators, remote identification of drones, flight authorization, and real-time traffic facts. These services are managed by a network of providers.

Effective drone traffic management is crucial for public safety,security,and the economic potential of drone technology. It enables applications ranging from package delivery and infrastructure inspection to emergency services and aerial surveillance.

As drone technology advances and adoption surges, robust U-Space frameworks will become indispensable for integrating these autonomous systems into our skies, paving the way for advanced aerial mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Traffic Management

What is U-Space?

U-Space is a set of services and procedures designed to ensure safe and efficient access to airspace for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), frequently enough referred to as drones, at low altitudes.

Why is drone traffic management vital?

It is crucial for ensuring the safety of operations, preventing collisions, protecting people and property on the ground, and enabling the integration of a high volume of drones into existing airspace.

What types of services does U-Space provide?

U-Space services can include drone operator registration, remote identification, flight planning, flight authorization, and real-time traffic information and advisory services.

What are the primary benefits of integrating drones into Finnish airspace through the U-Space project?

U-Space Implementation in Finland: A Collaborative Effort

Thales, a global technology leader, has been selected to spearhead Finland’s ambitious U-Space pilot project, in close collaboration with VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, safely and efficiently into Finnish airspace. The project focuses on developing and validating the technological infrastructure and operational procedures necesary for a fully functional U-Space surroundings. This is crucial for enabling advanced air mobility and a wide range of drone-based services.

Project Scope and Key Objectives

The U-Space pilot, backed by the European Union’s SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) program, aims to demonstrate the feasibility of U-Space services in a real-world setting. Key objectives include:

Safe Drone Operations: Establishing a system for managing drone traffic, preventing collisions, and ensuring the safety of manned and unmanned aircraft.

Traffic Management: Implementing a robust drone traffic management (UTM) system capable of handling a high volume of drone flights.

Geofencing and Flight Authorization: Developing and deploying geofencing capabilities and automated flight authorization processes.

Real-time Data Exchange: Facilitating seamless data exchange between drones, UTM systems, and air traffic control.

Identification and Tracking: Ensuring reliable identification and tracking of all drones operating within the U-Space.

Integration with Existing ATM: Harmonizing U-Space operations with existing air traffic management (ATM) systems.

Thales and VTT: Complementary Expertise

The partnership between Thales and VTT brings together complementary expertise.Thales contributes its extensive experience in air traffic management, cybersecurity, and system integration. VTT, a leading research institution, provides cutting-edge expertise in drone technology, sensor systems, and data analytics.

Specifically, Thales will focus on:

Developing the core U-Space platform.

Integrating advanced sensor technologies for drone detection and tracking.

Ensuring the cybersecurity of the U-Space infrastructure.

VTT will concentrate on:

Developing and testing innovative drone technologies.

Providing expertise in data analytics and machine learning for improved traffic management.

conducting flight trials and evaluating the performance of the U-Space system.

U-space Services Being Piloted

The Finnish U-Space pilot project will focus on demonstrating a range of essential U-space services, including:

1. Registration: A system for registering drone operators and their aircraft.
2. Geographical Awareness: Providing drones with real-time facts about airspace restrictions and hazards.
3. Conformance Monitoring: Ensuring that drones adhere to pre-defined flight rules and regulations.
4. Low-Altitude Traffic Management: managing drone traffic in low-altitude airspace.
5. Flight Planning: Enabling drone operators to plan and submit flight plans.
6. Tracking: Providing real-time tracking of drones.
7. Remote Identification: Allowing drones to be remotely identified.

Benefits of U-Space Implementation

The successful implementation of U-Space promises numerous benefits for Finland and the wider European aviation ecosystem:

Economic Growth: Enabling new drone-based services, such as delivery, inspection, and surveillance, fostering economic growth and creating new job opportunities.

increased Efficiency: Optimizing airspace utilization and reducing congestion.

Enhanced Safety: Improving the safety of both manned and unmanned aircraft operations.

Innovation: Driving innovation in drone technology and air traffic management.

Improved Public Services: Facilitating the use of drones for public services, such as emergency response and infrastructure inspection.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM): Laying the groundwork for the future of AAM, including air taxis and passenger drones.

Regulatory Framework and SESAR Alignment

Finland’s U-Space pilot project is being conducted within the framework of the EU’s U-Space Regulation, which aims to harmonize U-Space implementation across Europe. The project is closely aligned with the SESAR program’s objectives of creating a more efficient, safe, and lasting European aviation system. The learnings from the Finnish pilot will contribute to the growth of common U-Space standards and best practices.

Practical Considerations for Drone Operators

As U-Space becomes operational, drone operators will need to adapt to new procedures and technologies. Key considerations include:

Registration: Ensuring that all drones and operators are registered with the relevant authorities.

Geofencing Compliance: Understanding and complying with geofencing restrictions.

Flight Planning: Utilizing U-Space-compliant flight planning tools.

Remote Identification: Equipping drones with remote identification capabilities.

Cybersecurity Awareness: Implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect drones and data.

Training: Obtaining appropriate training on U-Space procedures and technologies.

Real-World Applications & Case Studies (Existing Examples)

While the Finnish pilot is ongoing, several existing U-Space implementations globally offer insights:

Drone Delivery in Switzerland: Swiss Post has been conducting drone delivery trials using U-Space infrastructure, demonstrating the feasibility of automated parcel delivery.

Inspection Services in the Netherlands: Drone inspection services are utilizing U-space for safe and efficient infrastructure inspections.

* Emergency Response in Belgium: Drones equipped with U-Space capabilities are being used for emergency response,