Advancing Drone Safety with Volatus Aerospace’s DAA System
Volatus Aerospace is embarking on the development of an advanced on-board Detect and avoid (DAA) system aimed at enhancing the safety of drone operations in the airspace.
Funding for Innovation
A significant grant of $75,000 has been awarded from the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) Green Fund to support this initiative. This funding marks a pivotal advancement in facilitating safe and scalable beyond visual Line of sight (BVLOS) operations.
Enhancing Airspace Awareness
The integration of the DAA system with Volatus’ recent deployment of Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS Terminal in its Operations Control Center is set to elevate drone operational standards. This combination not only enhances airspace awareness but also accelerates the journey towards commercial scalability by establishing a solid foundation for BVLOS capabilities.
Reducing Human Intervention
The DAA technology aims to significantly reduce the reliance on ground-based human oversight, enabling drones to undertake more intricate and extended flight paths while adhering to rigorous safety protocols.By improving situational awareness through the IRIS terminal, Volatus is unlocking a plethora of new operational avenues and broadening the commercial potential of its drone fleet.
Leadership Insights
Glen Lynch, the CEO of Volatus aerospace, remarked, “The integration of on-board detect and avoid technology with the IRIS Terminal signifies a groundbreaking advancement in airspace awareness, which is crucial for the large-scale commercialization of drone operations.”
“The support from the DAIR Green Fund enables us to propel our DAA system forward, setting the stage for safer and more complex BVLOS missions. This initiative exemplifies Volatus’ dedication to sustainable and scalable solutions for the future of aerial operations.”
Support from DAIR
Phil Arthurs, Executive Director of DAIR, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “DAIR is proud to support Volatus through the DAIR Green Fund as they work on developing and integrating an on-board DAA system to ensure safe drone operations in shared airspace.”
“This technology is vital for advancing BVLOS drone operations, and we eagerly anticipate the progress of this collaborative effort.”
government Backing for Aerospace Innovation
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, emphasized the importance of businesses in driving Canada’s economy. She stated, “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting organizations like DAIR, which assist companies such as Volatus Aerospace in developing scalable and sustainable technologies for the aerospace sector. These initiatives will not only strengthen our aerospace industry but also contribute to economic growth and job creation.”
