In a move aimed at propelling the development and deployment of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), ANRA Technologies, a pioneer in uncrewed traffic management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Estonian Aviation Academy (EAVA). This collaboration is set to establish a UAS testing facility in Tartu, Estonia, focusing on the advancement of U-space technologies.
The partnership aligns with both organizations’ mission to drive innovation in the aviation sector. “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings, as it aligns with our shared vision of fostering growth and excellence in the field of Innovative Aerial Services,” remarked Maiken Kull, Vice Rector of Development at the Estonian Aviation Academy. She emphasized the potential of this collaboration to make Estonia a significant hub for U-space implementation advancements.
Following successful initial testing with various Estonian authorities, ANRA and EAVA are poised to create a permanent U-space operations test facility. Leveraging ANRA’s advanced airspace and fleet management technology, combined with EAVA’s aviation expertise, the initiative promises to establish a unique sandbox environment in the region. This facility will serve as a vital ground for testing, de-risking, and maturing technologies in line with EU U-space regulations.
Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies, highlighted the significance of this strategic alliance. “This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in advancing the capabilities of uncrewed aerial systems, and it solidifies the shared commitment of both ANRA and EAVA to drive innovation and progress towards fully commercialized UAS operations in the EU,” he stated. The Tartu-based facility is expected to be a central hub for research, testing, and the refinement of UAS technologies.
This initiative not only supports the development of U-space technologies but also aligns with EU regulations, facilitating a framework for stakeholders to evaluate their business and operational strategies effectively. It marks a significant step towards enabling commercial operations and service provision in a real-world environment.
The test center, managed by EAVA, will coordinate flight activities across multiple sites, establishing a sandbox operations center near the airport and the City of Tartu. This effort is in line with regional developments aimed at fostering an Integrated Aerial Services (IAS) ecosystem where U-space stakeholders can collaborate on validating and implementing UAS solutions.
Set to be operational for validation activities by the second half of 2024, the test center will provide both physical and digital infrastructure necessary for advancing UAS technologies. This partnership between ANRA Technologies and the Estonian Aviation Academy represents a pivotal development in the aviation industry, setting the stage for innovative aerial services in urban environments and beyond.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.