The Aviation Innovation Centre, which enables UAV operators and manufacturers to test and showcase new technologies has been launched at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex.
The Centre is the first of its kind in the UK and has been created through a new partnership between Goodwood Aerodrome and operational safety specialists Across Safety Development. The launch will address a greater demand for unmanned technology and significant increase in UAV operation approval requests to the UK CAA. The facilities will enable the UAV industry to develop, test, trial and showcase emerging technologies.
Across Safety Development specialises in operational safety management for manned and unmanned aircraft. The company works with operators and manufacturers in the UK and internationally to progress innovative unmanned concepts into regulator approved operations.
The centre will focus on the UAV, UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) and UAM sectors and will bring together a wide range of services and facilities including:
· Segregated airspace to facilitate BVLOS operations. Availability currently includes a 9km radius circle around the aerodrome, providing a 270km2 range over largely rural areas
· A selection of ‘off-aerodrome’ landing sites in controlled areas within the segregated airspace area to facilitate UAV delivery trials
· Aerodrome facilities including Air Traffic Services, three grass runways, on-site firefighting service and in-house security services
· A controlled ground area within the aerodrome perimeter
· Short or long-term access to offices, meeting rooms and hangar space
· Event hosting facilities
Aim is to be European leading UAV technology centre
Goodwood Aviation Operations Manager, Mark Gibb said: We’re delighted to partner with Across Safety on the launch of the Aviation Innovation Centre at Goodwood Aerodrome. Our range of facilities combined with the industry expertise of Across Safety offers the ideal solution for organisations developing, testing, trialing or showcasing unmanned aviation technologies. Our aim is to be Europe’s leading UAV technology centre.
Across Safety Development’s Managing Director Anthony Venetz added: “The unmanned aviation industry is at a pivotal moment, with commercial unmanned aerial systems, urban air mobility, unmanned traffic management and counter drone systems all predicted to grow exponentially over the next few years.”
“There is a clear need for a centre that supports technological and operational innovation without lengthy delays related to establishing safe airspace and ground areas. Goodwood, within easy reach of London and Gatwick is the perfect location to do that.”
The centre will also provides expert support to help customers with CAA submissions, permissions and exemptions such as preparing ConOps, Operating Safety Cases and Specific Operational Risk Assessments (SORA); an on-site CAA certified Recognised Assessment Entity providing online and classroom-based pilot training and certification and will have qualified remote pilots and observers available.
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