Terra Drone Co., Ltd.
Terra Drone subsidiary “Unifly” participates as the sole flight management system provider in the EUREKA project, which promotes urban mobility in European airspace by integrating the operation of flying car takeoff and landing sites (vertiports).
~ Demonstration experiment of cargo transport using VTOL drones to begin between remote islands in Spain from December 2024 ~
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Terra Drone Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo,
Representative: Toru Tokushige, hereinafter referred to as Terra Drone) announced on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, that its subsidiary Unifly NV (hereinafter referred to as Unifly), a leading company in the operation management system provider headquartered in Belgium, ) has installed the only operational management system (UTM) for the 12 million euro (approximately 1.9 billion yen) EUREKA project
(hereinafter referred to as the project), which is being promoted by the Joint Undertaking (JU) (*2) of SESAR (*1). ) We are pleased to announce that we will be participating as a provider.
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*1 SESAR: European air traffic control modernization program aimed at developing a new generation of air traffic management systems. *2 SESAR Joint Undertaking: SJU: Founded by the European Commission and EUROCONTROL (European Air Navigation Safety Organization). A consortium of institutions and companies that implements and manages the master plan. In particular, he leads the implementation of R&D execution programs and long-term innovation research. Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Trends in Europe and America: SESAR (Europe) https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/000039366.pdf project overview
This project will build a network of vertiports (*3) installed within European airspace, and incorporate that information into UTM to connect cities using next-generation air mobility, aiming to create an efficient network by 2026. We aim to realize sustainable
transportation.
*3 Vertiport: A fixed area on land used for the arrival, departure, and ground movement of VTOL aircraft (aircraft with vertical take-off and landing functions); , a land-based helipad exclusively for VTOL aircraft. Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Vertiport Development Guidelines
https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/content/001711020.pdf
In this project, we are proceeding with research and development with a focus on the following four areas.
Vertiport departure and arrival procedures taking into account flight routes and plans
Vertiport operation management through collaboration with UTM (optimizing traffic volume based on flight plans and operational status)
Crisis management for vertiport emergencies
Operational management of vertiport networks (enables efficient operation of installed vertiports)
This project involves 35 companies and organizations, including Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP), U-Space (*4) service providers (USSP), and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) manufacturers. is participating. *4 U-Space: A concept related to operation management, including the regulatory framework for implementing next-generation air mobility such as European drones and flying cars.
In this project, Unifly will provide UTM solutions based on the experience and knowledge gained through its past track record in UTM, and will work with partners such as Spanish air traffic control service provider ENAIRE and German flying car developer Volocopter. In cooperation with the company, we are responsible for the research and development of the Vertiport integrated traffic management system (VCTM), which incorporates vertiport network information into UTM. Future project activities
In Spain, AESA, the national aviation authority, ENAIRE, the air traffic control service provider, Indra, the air traffic control system provider, and Unifly, the UTM provider, are working closely together to build the solution for this project.
From December 2024 to March 2025, we plan to conduct demonstration experiments using VTOL drones in controlled airspace between Mallorca Island (Palma de Mallorca Airport) and Menorca Island (Menorca Airport), Spain. In the demonstration experiment, we will transport cargo using a VTOL drone and verify VCTM at various levels.
Comment from UniFly CEO Andres Van Swalm
We recognize that this project is an important milestone for the future evolution of urban air mobility (UAM), and UniFly is thrilled to be involved in such a cutting-edge project as a UTM provider. It’s an honor. Through our unique UTM solution, UniFly contributes to the construction of efficient airspace that is in harmony with existing aviation systems, laying the foundation for the widespread use of UAM, and providing a means of transporting people and goods in urban areas. We aim to innovate.
Unifly NV
Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) provider
headquartered in Belgium. We mainly develop operation management systems for next-generation air mobility such as drones and flying cars, and aim to realize autonomous flight by improving safety and efficiency through technology advancement. Through its unique platform, it also plays a key role in connecting stakeholders, including aviation authorities and drone pilots, to facilitate the safe integration of next-generation air mobility into existing airspace. We will also respond to the rapid increase in air traffic that is likely to occur in the coming decades. We have a track record of nationwide UTM implementation in eight European and American countries, and are a world-leading company in this field. Terra Drone concluded a strategic partnership agreement in 2016, also formed a capital alliance, and in 2023 acquired 51% of the shares and made it a subsidiary. For more information, please visit
https://www.unifly.aero/
Terra Drone Co., Ltd.
We are a service provider that develops and provides solutions for flying cars and drones, founded in 2016 with the mission of “Unlock “X” Dimensions (Fusing different dimensions to create a prosperous future).” Headquartered in Tokyo, we provide patented surveying and inspection drones developed in-house to the oil and gas, chemical, and construction industries in 11 countries both domestically and internationally. We have a rich track record in countries around the world and high R&D capabilities regarding non-destructive inspection work using drones. We also have a track record of deploying a traffic management system (UTM) that has been implemented in eight countries around the world. For more information, please visit
http://www.terra-drone.net
Inquiries regarding this matter
Terra Drone Co., Ltd.
Email: pr@terra-drone.co.jp
HP: http://www.terra-drone.net
More details about this release:
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000290.000020194.html