Image: HHLA Sky

Unmanned aerial vehicles have sparked a hype. But before lower airspace up to 120 meters can be filled with unmanned aerial systems, universally applicable rules and safe coordination bases are needed. Private operators like Hamburg-based HHLA Sky – now even TÜV-certified – are ready to launch.

In Germany alone, around 135,000 new "unmanned aircraft systems" (UAS) are expected to be launched by 2025. The EU and German air traffic control have been working for some time on the future form of a regulated U-Space. "Drones can perform many tasks, from inspection and observation to surveillance and transport and logistics, more easily, efficiently, and in a more environmentally friendly way than was previously possible from the ground," says Matthias Gronstedt, Managing Director of the HHLA subsidiary "HHLA Sky ." But before can be so " simple," things get a little complicated.

Control Center: There's more to come

Operational procedures and collision-free operation with existing systems operating such as near airports and in the vicinity of rescue sites such as helicopter landing pads , must to a high standard . HHLA Sky can claim to have a key role in the development of the relevant EU regulations . And is currently celebrating its TÜV certification.

When fully developed, the Hamburg-based company believes U-Space will encompass an entire country, but will initially be limited to regions with particularly high drone traffic. The rules include defining the flight process, from registration and route planning to safety plans, landing, and monitoring. U-Space service providers play a central role.

S.Törsleff

One of the services designed to ensure safe and compliant flight is the geo-awareness service. This service informs drone operators about overflight areas subject to restrictions, rescue operations, or temporary closures, and informs them about airspace that must be kept clear.

Avoiding conflicts between users is one of Sebastian Törsleff's most important tasks. In the research project "Urban Drone Traffic Efficiently Organized" (UDVeo), he co-developed the basis for U-Spaces at Hamburg's Helmut Schmidt University and then moved to HHLA Sky. The expert is concerned with implementing the rules in practice. "This isn't about regulating another area of ​​public life. U-Spaces are intended to better enable the efficient and economically viable use of drones."

Of course, in the long term, the entire Federal Republic of Germany is to be developed into a regulated U-Space. However, experience from his research project and HHLA Sky's test projects has shown that the gradual introduction of such zones promises more success. He prioritizes urban areas, as the number of flight movements is expected to be highest there. And there's no doubt that security agencies in cities, such as the police and fire departments, are increasingly using remote-controlled drones.

A control center developed by HHLA Sky was already ahead of its time in 2021, monitoring no-fly zones in defined areas and over crowds of people, not just for individual aircraft, but for dozens of simultaneously deployed and autonomously operating aircraft. The HHLA control center is considered one of the most powerful and safest control systems for drones and was certified by TÜV as the first of its kind. Thanks to continuous data analysis, it keeps an eye on the current weather as well as the airspace, including the manned aircraft located there. A precise flight plan is recorded in advance for each drone to enable immediate response to any deviations. And of course, alternate and emergency landing sites must also be available in case a device needs to be brought back to the ground quickly and safely during ongoing operations.

Sky CEO M.Gronstedt

Just as German air traffic control (DAT) controls manned aviation over Germany, there will also be companies for drones. The EU allows different companies to offer their services in parallel. Anyone wishing to use a drone must register their flight, submit a corresponding plan, and be able to respond to safety-relevant events at any time. This applies to recreational drones weighing more than 250 grams, as well as to semi-professional and commercial drones. "It is of course important to integrate government agencies such as the police and emergency services into this system," says Sebastian Törsleff. "This is the only way to react immediately if, for example, rescue helicopters fly through a U-space area or airspace has to be closed due to a police or fire service operation."

Theoretically, controlled airspaces for drones could already be established – the EU rules for U-Spaces have been in force since January 26, 2023. There are already some companies that want to take over the control of drone traffic. However, it will still take some time before the controlled flight zones in lower airspace are fully established: "In addition to developing detailed procedures, important technical prerequisites must also be met," says Törsleff. Among other things, a common language between all parties involved is needed. The fact that the EU took the initiative early on is an important signal for drone companies like HHLA Sky.

www.hhla-sky.de