Norrköping Airport is now taking a significant step forward in drone technology in collaboration with Aero EDIH. Through this partnership, the airport has been granted a Simulation Package and a Field Test Package to facilitate a demonstration flight of 100 miles to Visby, across open water. The objective is to demonstrate that drones can fly longer distances safely and reliably, paving the way for new opportunities in transportation.
”We want to show that it’s possible to use drones for longer routes and create a scalable airspace solution. Several drone manufacturers have shown interest in the project, including Katla which was a part of the Corus project flying from Linköping to Norrköping.”, says Svante Swärd Rudström, business developer at Norrköping Airport.
The Future of Airspace and U-space in Europe
With an ambition to lead the field, Norrköping Airport aims to offer its airspace as a service to more companies and organiszations looking to carry out long-distance drone tests. This will benefit both the airport and the community through increased activity and strengthened regional development. This is particularly relevant for the development of U-space, a regulated and secure airspace for drones, which is essential for the future of transportation.
Aero EDIH is a prerequisite to ensur EASA will approve the demonstrations safety standards. EASA, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA is working within a four-step program for drone integration, aiming to achieve full integration between drones and traditional air traffic by 2035. Currently, step three is being evaluated, where test flights under controlled conditions play a vital role in ensuring safety and functionality.
“Our primary goal is to transport both people and goods in the future, which will require continued advancement and adaptation in airspace solutions and drone technology to meet these needs,” says Svante.
An Important Step Towards Enhanced Flight Safety
Currently, drone regulation is not always adhered to, leading to both safety and privacy challenges. Regulations surrounding drones are therefore becoming stricter, creating obstacles for emergency services and forestry companies, among others, in using drones in their operations. Through projects like this, safer and more efficient airspace solutions can be developed for drone flights, paving the way for broader usage in the future.
Building on Past Experience for the Futur
The planned long-distance flight between Norrköping and Visby builds on critical insights from previous tests. A previous collaboration between Norrköping Airport and Aero EDIH, through the Corus project, included a drone flight of approximately 30 miles between Linköping and Norrköping.
During the flight, the drone lost connection halfway and automatically executed safety procedures to make a safe landing in a pre-designated landing area, which was followed through even though connection was recovered within short. This was nonetheless seen as a success, as this safety feature shows the drone is programmed to navigate safely even if contact is lost. This insight strengthens confidence that the next step — the longer flight to Visby — is an important action for continuing the development and implementation of safe drones for wider benefit of society.
This collaboration marks the beginning of a new era for drone technology, as Norrköping Airport and Aero EDIH lead the development of safe and sustainable airspace solutions.
