Geelong proves smart cities can safely integrate drone operations
In the skies over Geelong, a world-leading partnership has demonstrated the safe integration of manned and unmanned aircraft in low altitude airspace.
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With support from the City of Greater Geelong, Thales and Telstra have jointly prototyped LAAM (Low Altitude Airspace Management), a technology that dynamically manages airspace, integrating manned and unmanned traffic whilst automating drone flight approvals.
Using the operational expertise of AUAV, a leading drone operator, Thales and Telstra combined their expertise to build a robust, safe and secure ecosystem, preparing the way for the integration of manned and unmanned traffic in Australian skies.
Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said that this project has shown that the creation of a seamless sky is possible, where manned and unmanned traffic is safely integrated in the smart cities of the future.
“This trial has proved that the technology is there to support drone users perform their missions in an orderly, safe and timely manner, helping to safely unlock their full benefit.”
Telstra’s Group Owner, Incubation and Excellence, Gianpaolo Carraro said, “We’re looking to solve aerial connectivity at lower altitudes than regular aviation, such as command and control and airspace awareness. Our ambition is to be an integral player for the industry, supporting safer & secure low altitude airspace equality. Today’s announcement with Greater City of Geelong and Thales reinforces our fast, safe, and secure 4G, 5G, and IoT networks as well as our advanced LANES technology to make this ambition a reality.”
The Thales UAS Airspace Management solution – at the heart of the LAAM – is in operation in the USA to provide drone management services for the New York State Corridor, the accredited by the FAA under the LAANC initiative, and will soon be deployed in the State of North Dakota supporting safe airspace integration of unmanned aircrafts. In Europe, the Thales UAS Airspace Management solution is managing the airspace for drones over two major cities: Rennes and Lille.
Over a 6-month period, the Geelong Low Altitude Airspace Management (GLAAM) Initiative demonstrated that drone operations can be conducted safely in a semi-urban environment and support the development of Smart City concepts in Australia.
During this project, the objectives of the Geelong Smart City Office were to deliver technology solutions that put people first and provide benefit to the community. A UAV traffic management system will achieve a safer community by improving regulation, accountability and transparency of flights while mitigating privacy violations by ensuring pre-approvals for all flights including flight path, pilot and purpose.
The partnership between Thales, Telstra, AUAV and the City of Greater Geelong is unique and is globally leading. As a Smart City, the City of Greater Geelong has been paving the way for many other cities in Australia and the Asia Pacific region by utilising communication technology solutions and trends to enhance the life of its residents.
UAVs are easy to deploy: they have flexibilities in performing difficult tasks, supporting high-resolution imagery and can easily cover the remote areas.
The ‘Smart City’ of the future may include several drone platforms that have to be in operation and working together. Thales’ UTM-FIMS system and its partners will manage and will integrate those drone platforms in an efficient and safe way.
About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global technology leader shaping the world of tomorrow today. The Group provides solutions, services and products to customers in the aeronautics, space, transport, digital identity and security, and defence markets. With 83,000 employees in 68 countries, Thales generated sales of €19 billion in 2019 (on a pro forma basis including Gemalto over 12 months).
Thales is investing in particular in digital innovations – connectivity, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity – technologies that support businesses, organisations and governments in their decisive moments.
Thales Australia has a history of patient investment to build advanced in-country capability across manufacturing, critical systems and services. Close collaborative relationships with local customers, Australian SME suppliers and research institutions combined with technology transfer from our global business enables Thales to tailor high quality solutions for Australian and export markets, generating revenue of $1.6 billion in exports over the past 10 years.
For more information visit www.thalesgroup.com
About Telstra:
Telstra is Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company, offering a full range of communications services and competing in all telecommunications markets. Our purpose is to build a connected future so everyone can thrive.
For more information visit www.telstra.com.
About AUAV:
Established in Victoria in early 2013, Australian UAV has been rapidly growing to now have offices across Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, with more around the corner. The company has been established by experienced consulting engineers, scientists and film industry professionals with a focus on professionalism, safety and high-quality product delivery.
Our staff are far more that drone operators and come from a diverse range of industries including; drafting/GIS, CFD modelling, computer programming, machine learning, ASME qualified inspection, UAV design, GPS machine control, survey, asset condition reporting, advanced photogrammetry and more. These diverse skills enable us to add considerable value to the data we collect.
Having completed many thousands of flights for commercial, private and government clients, Australian UAV is one of the country’s most experienced and professional drone operators. AUAV is certified by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (certificate #CASA.UOC.0057).
About City of Greater Geelong:
The City of Greater Geelong is a local government area in the Barwon South West region of Victoria, Australia, located in the western part of the state. The City is a diverse mix of urban, rural and coastal landscape which covers an area of 1,248 square kilometres. We are a population of 263,280 which is expected to grow to 387,900 people by 2036– an annual growth rate of 2.5%.
Representing the voices of more than 16,000 members of our community, Greater Geelong: A Clever and Creative Future, is a guide for all levels of government, community organisations, businesses and anyone wanting to make a genuine contribution to our city-region. Our clever and creative future is: By 2047, Greater Geelong will be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region that is forward looking, enterprising and adaptive and cares for its people and environment.
Greater Geelong’s first Smart City Strategic Framework is currently being developed. The vision is to connect technology, data and innovation to create a more liveable, sustainable and thriving Greater Geelong. For more Smart City news and updates: www.geelongaustralia.com.au/smartcity.
For more information visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au.