The European Commission and EDA intervened today jointly on the “UAS needs and challenges” item during the ICAO civil/military global air traffic management forum.
Both organisations stressed the good cooperation on the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) subject and the need for an integrated civil/military approach in Europe to reach full and seamless integration with the manned aviation.
EDA highlighted the major strategic technology development in the Sense & Avoid area and, specifically, its flagship project MIDCAS.
The mission of MIDCAS is to demonstrate the “Unmanned Aircraft System Mid-air Collision Avoidance Function” being compatible with UAS operations in non-segregated airspace and acceptable to the manned aviation community. The support to foster European Standardisation of Mid Air Collision Avoidance for UAS is a central activity throughout the project.
EDA’s Deputy Chief Executive Strategy Carlo Magrassi highlighted that “we are looking into a strategic standardisation approach for a common, transatlantic way forward. I would like to use the opportunity here today, to highlight this point and to offer it for participation to other interested nations”.
The strategic civil/military approach of Europe in the domain of UAS Air Traffic Insertion as well as the need for a common, transatlantic way ahead was welcomed by the international civil/military audience.