AVALON 2023

Abstract: Thales has taken a wholistic approach towards airspace and ground-space assurance in the emerging UAV sector. This has been an exercise in discovery, collaboration and initiative by different parts of the global Thales business, the rationale behind which has been that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Specifically, with the Avionics and Airspace Mobility businesses. This whole of Thales approach is indicative of the collaborative approach needed for a seamless, integrated framework, to enable the advancement of drone use in Australia.

Building a future that we can all trust involves optimising the economics, security and assurance of each and every UAV flight to whatever the mission calls for. Having a seamless solution allows for end-to-end control of the entire airspace, and greatly helps achieve the associated risk mitigation process. This presentation will discuss our view of the requirements for a complete ecosystem of technological components and open-access strategy, required to allow industry to shape our shared future for VLOS, EVLOS and BVLOS drone flight.

Abstract: There are many initiatives underway across the world to explore the technologies and regulations needed to fully enable the potential of drone operations to be realised. A significant factor in realising this potential is enabling drones to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight. Over the past few years, Thales has been utilising its vast experience in certified aircraft avionics systems and air traffic management to develop technologies and has carried out a number of trials of BVLOS operations. This presentation by Phil Swadling, Technical Director, Avionics, Thales Australia, will discuss the work carried out to date and the lessons learned from both a technological and regulatory perspective.

Abstract: The world is changing. With the advancements in materials technology for airframes, new propulsion systems such as electric, hydrogen or hybrid and the increased proliferation of drones brings new paradigms of operation. We need to adapt how we manage this in all types of airspace, including the urban environment.

Several initiatives have been undertaken globally to investigate the concepts of operation required to enable regional drone operations for cargo deliveries or infrastructure inspections and also Urban Air Mobility (UAM) or Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) covering cargo and passenger operations in an urban environment. In addition, how these operations can safely co-exist with traditional aviation needs to be determined (i.e. UTM/ATM integration).

This presentation provides a view on some of those initiatives being executed around the world, investigates the lessons learned from each and describes the key recommendations that should be incorporated in any AAM initiative to be undertaken in Australia.