Skyguide: Swiss mobile network is suitable for controlling drones
Researchers from the Aviation Research Centre Switzerland (ARCS), commissioned by skyguide in collaboration with Swisscom, demonstrate that the existing mobile radio infrastructure is suitable for the safe conduct of drone flights in Swiss airspace. Measurement flights showed that the data exchange between drones and providers of U-Space solutions is thus stable.
Skyguide will be offering a registration system for drone pilots in the summer of 2019, laying the foundations for the safe integration of commercial and non-commercial drones into Swiss airspace (U-Space). This will also require an exchange of real-time data between drones, drone traffic management (analogous to air traffic management in manned aviation) and providers of geolocation services (airspace maps).
Skyguide has commissioned a feasibility study from the Aviation Research Centre Switzerland (ARCS) on the use of the mobile radio network for drones. The study, entitled "Use of mobile radio for drones" and led by Prof. Michel Guillaume of the ZHAW, shows that the Swiss mobile radio infrastructure can already guarantee data exchange and drone guidance in U-Space. The ZHAW, the University of St. Gallen, the EPFL and Swisscom were involved in the study.
Follow-up study planned for 2019
The findings of the study are a positive signal for Switzerland's rapidly developing drone industry. The study concludes that no new cost-intensive infrastructure is needed for the safe integration of drones into Switzerland's airspace. This opens up interesting new business areas for telecoms companies in our country and further development opportunities for the drone industry.
The initial results are to be examined in greater depth in a follow-up study scheduled for 2019. Skyguide and ARCS hope that new long-term tests can be conducted from the Dübendorf Innovation Park. Dübendorf's aviation research centre has the necessary expertise and structures for this. The research concept is currently being drawn up and the financing of the follow-up study clarified.
Klaus Meier, skyguide, Chief Information Officer:
"Skyguide is the first air navigation service provider to implement integrated U-Space. This will ensure drones have safe access to the skies. This study shows that, in a partnership approach, we can act as a strong catalyst for the drone economy."
Rico Schwendener, Swisscom, Head of Innovation:
"Together with its research partners, Swisscom is committed to playing a pioneering role in the digitisation of airspace in Switzerland. Accordingly, we are pleased that, according to the study, the Swisscom mobile network offers a good basis for the control and management of unmanned aerial vehicles."
Michel Guillaume, ZHAW, School of Engineering - Center for Aviation
"The positive results of this study show that the use of cellular infrastructure for traffic management system can make a great contribution. This technology could boost the future drone business."
Founded in 2017, the Aviation Research Centre Switzerland (ARCS) is a national network for aviation research. The aim of ARCS is to promote innovation in Swiss aviation and to carry out research and development projects to this end. ARCS works closely with the authorities and the aviation industry. Members are the Universities of Zurich and St. Gallen, the ZHAW and the EPFL.
