Thales and Telstra link up to enable safe airspace for drones

Thales and Australian mobile network provider Telstra are working together to enable the management of low altitude airspace for autonomous flying taxis, drones and helicopters. The partnership is investigating how 4G and 5G technology and Internet of Things capabilities could enable robust navigation and monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – more commonly called drones. Chris Jenkins, chief executive of Thales Australia, says the partnership intends to help customers integrate unmanned aircra
March 4, 2019 Read time: 2 mins

596 Thales and Australian mobile network provider Telstra are working together to enable the management of low altitude airspace for autonomous flying taxis, drones and helicopters.

The partnership is investigating how 4G and 5G technology and Internet of Things capabilities could enable robust navigation and monitoring of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – more commonly called drones.

Chris Jenkins, chief executive of Thales Australia, says the partnership intends to help customers integrate unmanned aircraft into controlled airspace and help drone users perform their “missions in an orderly, safe and timely manner”.

Thales and Telstra have developed a prototype air traffic control platform called Low Altitude Airspace Management to integrate manned and unmanned traffic. The firms say it will include automated drone flight approvals and dynamic airspace management.

Australia is not the only country looking to improve the safety of airspace for drones. Last month, US space agency Nasa confirmed it is moving into the final %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 link-external phase false http://www.itsinternational.com/categories/utc/news/nasa-tests-drone-traffic-management-system-in-nevada-and-texas/ false false%>of a four-year programme to prove it can safely control drones flying over urban areas.

Enforcement

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • China’s Yin Long to produce e-buses in Serbia
    July 29, 2019
    Chinese bus manufacturer Yin Long intends to produce electric buses at Ikarbus’ factory in Serbia by the end of the year, according to a report by SeeNews. Yin Long acquired Ikarbus through its subsidiary Lanzhou Guangdong New Energy Automobile, and intends to hire 200 employees at the factory and use it as a hub to expand its business. The factory is in the city of Belgrade. Ikarbus produces low-floor and articulated city buses as well as intercity buses.
    Read More
  • Uber to enter Seattle’s bike-share space
    June 22, 2018
    Uber intends to launch its newly-acquired Jump electric bikes in Seattle, US, in a move which could increase competition among rival firms. The ride-hailing company will decide on whether to apply for a permit once regulations have been mapped out by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDoT). SDoT is finalising a permit programme for bike-share operators and plans to present a proposal to the city council next month. A report by the Seattle Times says three bike-share companies operate in the city
    Read More
  • Lyft ramps up driver and passenger safety efforts
    September 19, 2019
    Ride-share firm Lyft is seeking to head off concerns over passenger safety by requiring its drivers to take a ‘community safety’ course. Lyft has partnered with non-profit anti-sexual assault organisation Rainn, and drivers will be required to complete an education course designed by both parties. Riders and drivers must agree to Lyft’s community guidelines on behaving with care and respect. Passengers reported for violating these will be removed from the platform while drivers will be required to take add
    Read More
  • Only four weeks left to submit papers for ITS Europe and ITS World Congress
    December 16, 2015
    There are only four weeks to the deadline for submission of papers for the ITS Europe 2016 congress in Glasgow 6-9 June and for the ITS World Congress 2016 in Melbourne on 10-14 October. Submit your contribution today to the ITS European Congress in Glasgow to continue the discussion on topics introduced at ITS world Congress in Bordeaux or to introduce new research, deployments and developments in the ITS industry.
    Read More

Highlighted Content