Feature: Avionics


Drones are taking off! G


embraces technical innovation. From 2022 onward, we can expect these societal changes to further impact our lives; this will include disruptive technologies including drones.


By Paul Kostek, Systems Engineer, Air Direct Solutions speeds, with new satellite constellations currently in development to enable lower-latency Internet access from space. Tese satellites are also used for warning systems in natural disasters, as the number and strength of natural events requires increased monitoring and notification systems.


lobal forces such as the Covid-19 pandemic, urbanisation and climate change have significantly impacted infrastructure and the way society


The pandemic impact Covid-19 has shiſted society’s mindset by transforming the way we work, shop and live. For example, since working remotely has become widely adopted, many people have moved from cities to smaller towns and rural areas. In turn, this has increased the demand for reliable and secure Internet bandwidth, and other technologies. Although broadband has come a long


way since its introduction, research from Oxford Economics suggests that geographical proximity to a city is an important driver of its success. Despite this, the pandemic has proven that the significant technological changes of recent years have, among other things, enhanced accessibility for many rural areas. In fact, the research found that 95% of UK homes today have access to superfast broadband, compared with only 58% in 2011. Internet access can also be provided


by communications satellites. Tis is usually provided via geostationary satellites that offer relatively high data


34 March 2022 www.electronicsworld.co.uk


The potential of drones Undoubtedly, the pandemic has resulted in new innovations – especially when restrictions were implemented. For example, many organisations have started considering drones for deliveries. With regards to infrastructure, drones can be used for inspection of bridges, tunnels and buildings, as well as to assess the impact of natural disasters. Despite their usefulness, drones are


still viewed as either a novelty or an unnecessary use of technology. Te idea of them flying around our neighbourhoods and delivering goods is still not favoured by many. Te virus started to change this mindset, as people became more flexible about the way they receive groceries, prescriptions and other purchases, without leaving their homes. Trials of drone deliveries are underway in several countries, including India and the United States. Drones have the potential to transform


industries on the wider scale, too. In medicine, they could deliver supplies and blood or organs for transplants. Tis would mean expensive transportation methods


such as helicopters or ground-level couriers that can easily get stuck in traffic would no longer be required. Essentially, drones could make deliveries more reliable, at lower cost.


Drone control Drone operators should be familiar with the difference between controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and where they can legally fly. Controlled airspace is found around some airports and at altitudes where air traffic controllers are actively communicating, directing and separating all air traffic. Other airspace is considered uncontrolled in the sense that air traffic controllers are not directing air traffic within its limits. Te goal of using drones for delivery will require the definition of operational areas in the national airspace by regulatory agencies such as the FAA in the US and EASA in Europe – which will need to include altitude and delivery areas. Tere are still discussions around how


government agencies, such as the police and fire departments, can utilise drones. For example, at this stage it is not entirely clear how existing laws will apply to the use of drones that access property, such as by flying over somebody’s private land. Undeniably, many societal changes will


impact how infrastructure is developed and the part drones play in the future. Going forward, we will continue to see more changes in how technologies are implemented and used for commerce and private and government applications.


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