Volatus Aerospace is set to develop an on-board Detect and Avoid (DAA) system to deconflict drones from other aircraft.
A grant of $75,000 from the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) Green Fund has been issued for the development and integration. This is seen as a major step forward in safe and scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The DAA system, combined with Volatus’ recent installation of Kongsberg Geospatial‘s IRIS Terminal in its Operations Control Center for comprehensive airspace awareness, raises the bar for drone operations, accelerating the path to commercial scalability by providing a robust foundation for BVLOS capabilities.
The DAA solution will minimize the need for ground-based human intervention, allowing for more complex, extended routes while maintaining stringent safety standards. By enhancing airspace awareness through the IRIS Terminal, Volatus is rapidly unlocking new operational possibilities and expanding commercial applications of its drone fleet.
Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace, said; “On-board detect and avoid technology, together with the IRIS Terminal, represents a transformative leap in airspace awareness, essential for the commercialization of large-scale drone operations.
“The DAIR Green Fund empowers us to advance our DAA system, paving the way for safer, more complex BVLOS missions. This initiative is a perfect example of Volatus’ commitment to sustainable, scalable solutions for the future of aerial operations.”
Phil Arthurs, Executive Director of DAIR, added; “DAIR is pleased to be supporting Volatus through the DAIR Green Fund as they develop and integrate an on-board “detect and avoid” (DAA) system to deconflict drones from other aircraft.
“This technology is important in progressing beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operation, and we look forward to the continued progress of this collaborative project.”
Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said; “Businesses and organizations and the entrepreneurs and workers behind them are an integral part of what keeps Canada’s economy strong.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to support organizations like DAIR as they help businesses, like Volatus Aerospace, grow and create new scalable and sustainable technologies and innovations for the aerospace industry. These efforts will help strengthen our aerospace sector while boosting our economy and creating good jobs.”
