UNMANNED SYSTEMS LIMITED

Their core work

Unmanned Systems Limited is a London-based SME focused on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their integration into 5G-connected airspace systems. They contribute to trials and demonstrations involving drone operations over advanced mobile networks, urban air mobility concepts, and UAS traffic management. Their work spans the intersection of drone technology, 5G network infrastructure, and Industry 4.0 applications, positioning them as a specialist in connecting unmanned aviation with next-generation telecommunications.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Unmanned Systems began their H2020 involvement in 2019 with a clear focus on UAV operations and 5G connectivity — testing how drones could use network slicing and multi-access edge computing for reliable beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights. By 2021, their work shifted toward broader ecosystem concerns: urban air mobility integration (GOF2.0) and 5G platform tools like network programmability, SDKs, and application marketplaces (EVOLVED-5G). The trajectory shows a move from drone-specific trials toward the software and platform infrastructure that enables scaled unmanned operations.

They are moving from drone hardware trials toward the software platforms and airspace management systems needed for commercial-scale urban drone operations.

How they like to work

Unmanned Systems has participated exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator, suggesting they contribute specialist drone/UAV expertise to larger project teams rather than leading research agendas. With 56 unique partners across 17 countries from just 3 projects, they operate in very large consortia (averaging ~19 partners per project). This pattern indicates they serve as a niche contributor — bringing real-world unmanned systems knowledge to broad, multi-partner demonstration projects.

Despite only 3 projects, they have built a wide network of 56 partners across 17 countries, reflecting the large-scale nature of 5G and urban air mobility demonstration consortia. Their reach is pan-European with no obvious geographic concentration.

What sets them apart

Unmanned Systems sits at a very specific intersection: they understand both UAV operations and 5G telecommunications, which few SMEs can claim. For consortium builders looking for a partner who can bridge the gap between drone use cases and advanced network infrastructure, this company fills a hard-to-find niche. Their involvement in GOF2.0 also shows practical experience with U-space — the emerging European framework for urban drone traffic management.

Highlights from their portfolio

• 5G!Drones
  A flagship 5G-UAV integration project testing how unmanned aerial vehicles can operate reliably over 5G network slicing and edge computing.
• GOF2.0
  A major urban air mobility demonstration (Very Large Demonstration) focused on integrating drones into real urban airspace under U-space rules.