Acecore Technologies has showcased its innovative drone delivery system at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the largest airport in the Netherlands. This presentation was conducted under the supervision of LVNL, the institution responsible for air traffic management in Dutch airspace, which is currently exploring various cutting-edge UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technologies amid the significant reduction in air traffic caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative, in collaboration with Dutch Drone Delta, sought to evaluate both the technical capabilities and societal implications of deploying drones in an operational airport habitat. A temporary permit was issued to allow drone flights within the airport’s controlled airspace, testing applications such as runway inspections and the transportation of aircraft components across the airport.
The drone utilized in this trial was Acecore’s heavy-lift Neo octocopter, capable of flying for up to 25 minutes. It is equipped with redundant motors and essential components,along with AES256 encryption for secure operations. Additionally, the drone featured a remote-controlled maglock cargo module, designed by Acecore, which can carry two packages with a combined weight of up to 9 kilograms, releasing them on command. A compact gimbal-stabilized camera with 10x optical zoom was also included to assist with navigation during deliveries.
Utilizing drones for the delivery of aircraft parts to on-site mechanics enhances both speed and efficiency. Currently, these packages are transported by vehicles that must navigate through the airport’s complex layout.In contrast, drones can travel directly across the airport, substantially reducing delivery times.
Jorrit Linders, the CEO and Founder of Acecore Technologies, addressed the concerns surrounding drone operations at a busy airport: “While many may view our decision to fly drones at the Netherlands’ largest airport as reckless, I believe it is one of the safest environments for such testing. The control tower monitors all activities and can guide licensed drone operators to ensure safe missions.”
For a closer look at the trials conducted at Schiphol Airport, check out the video below:
