U-Space Funen

Project goal

This new Danish cooperation will establish the first U-space in Scandinavia: an airspace where drones fly safely side by side with conventional manned air traffic and at the same time enables drones to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The U-space will be developed and tested in HCA Airport in Odense, before being rolled out to the rest of the country.

Project details

The project will define, develop, test and implement Denmark’s first U-space airspace, which will make it possible to carry out complex drone operations in a safe and predefined airspace, with the right U-space services, procedures and legislation. The flights will be conducted by Danish or international partners in integration with other air traffic.

U-space is a digital and automated infrastructure for drones and entails among others an air traffic management system. This makes it possible for drones and manned aircrafts to communicate. This means that you can monitor and regulate the drone flights so that they are safe and efficient. The European Commission has launched the development of a European U-space ecosystem with associated legislation, which is expected to be approved by 2020.

Perspective
The cooperation will secure Denmark a position in the global race to realize the full potential of drone technology. Today, 26 countries are testing, getting ready to test or already using drones for delivery of goods. The new cooperation will ensure Denmark a strong position both in Scandinavia and globally, as it is, in contrast to agreements in other countries, anchored in a strong public private-public cooperation.

Partners

Naviair (the Danish air navigation service provider), The Danish Transport, Construction and Housing Authority, HCA Airport, UAS Denmark, and University of Southern Denmark. Several other drone-related projects and stakeholders, including the Health Drone project and the Funen Police department, are also contributing to the project.