SESAR takes successful step towards drone integration in airspace

A trial of real-life drone scenarios, from the SESAR Joint Undertaking project ENSURE, has confirmed that air traffic management (ATM) systems can seamlessly connect with drone management (U-space) systems.

By testing a set of real-life scenarios, from runway inspections to emergency helicopter operations, the trials have confirmed that both systems can exchange information safely and efficiently. The Indra UTM team led the validation campaign alongside air traffic controllers from Málaga and Madrid, confirming the robustness of each information exchange service implemented in the interface between ATM and UTM systems – the core objective of the ENSURE project.

Looking ahead, the validation trial was key to helping controllers become familiar with the operational system to be used in the final trials. Additionally, air traffic controllers will receive initial training for the new responsibilities that will emerge when managing operations in a shared environment with both manned and unmanned traffic.

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