Aerospace Cornwall has announced that it has partnered with drone operator UAVAid to launch the first unmanned aerial system (UAS) flight from Cornwall Airport Newquay at a capability event.
UAVAid will showcase its humanitarian Hansard drone platform at the event. This UK-developed drone is designed to fundamentally improve the way aid agencies can respond to large scale disasters and boost healthcare and economic development in the developing world. Each drone is capable of long range cargo delivery, live streaming aerial video and large area mapping, in low infrastructure contexts. This unique multi-role configuration allows it to perform a much wider range of tasks than traditional drones and at a cost affordable across the developing world.
UAVAid has been working with Aerospace Cornwall to assess the feasibility of moving its testing and manufacturing facilities to Cornwall. The UAS capability event will provide an opportunity for investors and industry to witness the Hansard as the first UAV to take off from Cornwall Airport Newquay. Cornwall provides an well-suited environment for UAS testing over land and sea.
UAVAid co-founder, Daniel Ronen, said: “We are delighted to be launch partner for the UAS capability event at Cornwall Airport Newquay. As the UK’s leading developer of specialist multi-role drones for Humanitarian and International Development applications, the availability of such a facility in Cornwall will allow us to test, develop and showcase our next generation drone technology, in this country. This is of significant importance to us as we are committed to developing a thriving civil UAS industry in the UK, creating UK exports and high skill jobs, and ensuring that the UK helps shape the responsible development and use of UAV technology to best serve those most in need.”
Al Titterington, Managing Director of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “This is an exciting development and we look forward to working with UAVAid at the Airport to support their activities and enhance our own operating capabilities.”
