Test Arena Autonomous Airport

Background

Internationally and nationally, we see an increased need for global accessibility and efficient transport of goods and people in a sustainable and climate-safe way. An important component of the future transport system to achieve the transport policy goals is the Autonomous Airport, a transport hub where people, goods and data meet and are coordinated in a way that is safe, easy and accessible for all. It will be an important component of a future equal, resilient and sustainable society, a transport system with efficient, automated and digitized infrastructure.

Introduction

This project, Test Arena Autonomous Airport is divided into several stages, where the first stage will focus on performing a so-called last mile delivery service (LMDS) accordance to the European regulations for U-space (EU) 2021 / 664. During the LMDS both physical and simulated drones will be used. 

What is U-space? U-space is a set of digital services and a concept for enabling drone operations in airspace together with manned aircrafts. These services is highly automated and interfaces between services and application relies on standardized interfaces. 

What's new?

For those who are familiar with drones and drone services, transporting small packages as an example, is something that has been done and have being tested for several years. So what's new? This project will individually and jointly within the project group (SAAB, LiU, LFV, Ericsson and RISE) develop the base of building blocks inline with European regulations for U-space (EU) 2021 / 664. Focus within the project are network identification service, geo-awareness service, flight authorization service and traffic information service. This provides important pieces for a platform providing an airspace that enables drone operations with interfaces to manned aircraft. Furthermore, it also enables communication and exchange of information with necessary bodies within traditional air traffic control (ATC), air traffic management (ATM) and relevant authorities.

Technical solution 

RISE established platform for controlling drones, RISE Drone System (open source) is further developed within this project to incorporate necessary API according to U-space regulation and expectations. Also services and applications necessary to perform the actual LMDS demonstration is developed by RISE.

RISE will act as an operator and initiate test of network identification, obtaining flight authorization and test dynamic route rescheduling when, for example, traffic within the U-space with higher priority needs to use an already authorized flight route. Multiple physical drones will be combined simultaneously with simulated drones to create a realistic traffic situation within the U-space. Both simulated and physical drone operations will be visualized in real time.

Expected project effects

To demonstrate project result, effect and capability a demonstration (2022 wk.40) will be perform where several U-space scenarios will be played out. This will show the foundation for the physical available and open test arena containing a base and start of components needed in a U-space level U1 (Basic Services) and to some extent also U2 (Initial Services). This enables private and public sector to test and development new and/or improved services and technologies within drones, drone application and transportation services.