Julian Moxon/STOCKHOLM
European companies are moving towards a common programme to develop technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in an effort to avoid duplication as national programmes gather momentum.
Talks are at an early stage, and are proceeding within the framework of the industry-sponsored European Technology Acquisition Programme. This involves France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK. The director for advanced design at Saab Aerospace, Carleric Weiland says the aim is "to discuss technologies we need and procedures on how to reach them. This will lead to an understanding of where we might work in common".
The plan comes as the UAV community looks for possible ways of certifying UAVs for flight in controlled airspace, seen as essential for planned future civil and military UAV operations. German research agency, the DLR, is already planning to use a regional jet for trials (Flight International, 10-16 October) and Weiland says Sweden has initial ideas on the likely airworthiness requirements for unmanned vehicles.
He says tentative talks have begun with the European Joint Aviation Authorities on the civil certification standards that would be appropriate, adding that Joint Airworthiness Requirements JAR-23 and JAR-25 (utility, commuter and large aircraft) "could be used as a starter".
At present, UAV reliability levels are far too low for use in controlled airspace. Average losses are around one aircraft per 1,000 flying hours. To pass even a basic airworthiness test, this would have to improve to no more than one loss every 1 million hours - comparable to today's military aircraft, says Weiland.
The Swedish armed forces have already suggested four main UAV uses. Three do not require certification as they would be operated in restricted airspace. The fourth category - which applies to long endurance high altitude reconnaissance UAVs - would require a military airworthiness certificate and have to meet the same standards as combat aircraft.
"One of the main problems is to decide on the sensor mix that would yield the necessary safety levels", says Weiland. This would have to be equivalent to manned aircraft "see and avoid" requirements, but would become "sense and avoid" for UAVs. The joint US-Swedish programme on an automatic air collision avoidance system is one of "several avenues" being explored he adds.
Source: Flight International
