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2020-04-01

D-Flight: Platform For Drone Safety & Security Launched

Today, drones are accomplishing a variety of tasks, and the number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) of all sizes crossing the skies is increasing exponentially.

They are used to inspect pipelines, provide aerial views in difficult to reach areas, develop precision architecture, control and protect entire regions, monitor archaeological sites, as well as control critical infrastructure and survey disaster zones. Therefore, the need to define detailed and binding rules to safely fly drones and avoid interference with sky traffic is urgent.

ENAV, the Italian air traffic service provider, is at the forefront of UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) regulation and has recently launched D-Flight, a company held 60 per cent by ENAV and 40 per cent by Leonardo and Telespazio together. The task of D-Flight is to implement the U-Space platform, developed within the European SESAR programme for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Traffic Management (UTM).

Leonardo is the System Integrator and designs the entire system, developing a good part of the software services, using the ‘Security by Design’ approach. Telespazio, with e-Geos, is in charge of mapping the areas where drones can fly and will reportedly be more involved when the platform will be integrated in the satellite communication system.

D-Flight is a challenging technological task for Leonardo and implies planning and delivering a widely accessible and safe portal, that can offer independent web services, is easy to use and update, and can be extremely reactive. The portal will allow users to register drones in the Italian database, assign an identification code to each drone, and offer information for safe flying, in respect of regulations.

Important Insight

The DIODE (D-Flight Internet of Drone Environment) testing gave a demonstration of what the platform will be able to deliver in the near future. DIODE was carried out in Rieti, Italy last year in the European Network of U-Space Demonstrators, an event launched by the EU Commission and co-financed by SESAR Joint Undertaking to develop the Single European Sky.

The DIODE test involved the handling of several drones flying simultaneously with an adequate level of security. The test was carried out over two days. Each day, six different missions were launched (archaeological survey, train infrastructure control, search and rescue of a missing man on the Velino river).

Here, D-Flight exceeded expectations, delivering an excellent result, like tracking pictured trajectories, and following different missions simultaneously. This test gave Leonardo an important insight on the technical feasibility of these services, and how it can offer the required levels of safety and security.

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