Imagine if drones had to share the same highways as passenger planes and small private aircraft. Right now, they often have to stay in their own separate lanes for safety. This work creates the rules and technology so drones can fly in the same space as everyone else without crashing.
Professional drones (RPAS) are currently restricted to segregated areas, which limits their commercial utility. There is a lack of validated requirements for them to fly safely in the same airspace as manned aircraft.
A set of 20 validation exercises and technical requirements for IFR RPAS operations in airspace classes A through G.
If you are a cargo drone operator dealing with restricted flight paths — this project developed validation exercises for airspace classes A to G that allow drones to fly safely alongside traditional aircraft. This means shorter routes and more flexible delivery schedules.
If you are a drone manufacturer dealing with unclear certification requirements for high-altitude flight — this project identified the specific capabilities needed for IFR operations. This allows you to build aircraft that meet European airspace standards for non-segregated flight.
If you are an ANSP dealing with the risk of drones entering controlled airspace — this project developed 20 validation exercises across two solutions to manage the mix of VFR and IFR flights. This ensures safe traffic management for both drones and manned planes.
Based on available project data, no specific pricing or implementation costs are provided.
The project focuses on mature validation exercises and encounter models to demonstrate integration, but it is currently in the research and validation phase.
Based on available project data, there is no information regarding the IP or licensing terms for the developed solutions.
It addresses the integration of IFR RPAS into European airspace classes A through G, focusing on the transition between ATM and UTM airspaces.
The project period runs from 2023-06-01 to 2026-05-31, indicating that validation is ongoing until mid-2026.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 58% industry ratio, consisting of 12 partners across 5 countries. Led by EUROCONTROL, the group combines 7 industry players, 2 research centers, and 3 other entities, including air traffic controllers and RPAS manufacturers, ensuring the results are grounded in operational reality rather than just academic theory.
Contact EUROCONTROL in Belgium for technical specifications on Solution 0379 and 0380.
Contact us to find the specific RPAS capabilities required for European airspace integration.
