According to a statement issued by the authority, BVLOS flights will be carried out at “distances beyond the flyer’s ability to see the drone.” The drones in question will use “advanced technologies for navigation, control and to detect other aircraft.”
The statement continues: “The trials will gather key safety data, such as how drones detect and avoid other aircraft, the electronic signals they can send to be able to be visible to other airspace users and air traffic control.
“This will support the regulator’s ongoing development of policy and regulations so that drone flights can be fully integrated with other airspace users.”
CAA director of future of flight, Sophie O’Sullivan, said: “These innovative trials mark a significant step forward in integrating drones safely into UK airspace. By supporting projects ranging from consumer deliveries to critical infrastructure inspections, we are gathering essential data to shape future policies and regulations.
“Our goal is to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality, contributing to the modernisation of UK airspace and the incorporation of new technology into our skies.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority invited organisations to bid to participate in an “innovation sandbox,” to test and validate their concepts. The trials are taking place as part of a collaboration with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
UKRI future flight challenge deputy director, Simon Masters, said: “These trials have the potential to transform how we deliver goods and provide services, particularly in less well-connected regions. These new sandbox projects are a great step towards realising these ambitions.”
