Avinor, the Norwegian air navigation service provider, has selected Thales to deploy next-generation unmanned traffic management (UTM) system.
The new UTM system is hoped to advance Norway's aims around unmanned aviation by allowing scalable drone operations and setting the foundation for future Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions alongside conventional aviation.
Thales's Topsky - UAS Traffic Management powered by AstraUTM, offered a scalable platform for real-time traffic management and “safe” unmanned aircraft integration, according to the company.
It is designed to manage air traffic effectively, specifically around airports and urban areas, with capabilities such as real-time decision-making, airspace surveillance, compliance monitoring and automated conflict resolution.
Avinor's UTM system is aimed at serving a wide range of stakeholders, including drone operators, air traffic service providers, and government agencies.
The system integrates services such as the common information service (CIS) and U-space service provider (USSP) provisions, ensuring regulatory compliance in designated U-space airspaces.
By implementing and managing a nationwide UTM system, Norway is expected to benefit from unmanned traffic management solutions that cater to the diverse needs of both civilian and governmental stakeholders.
It will enable advanced data sharing, automated airspace access, and improved situational awareness for all airspace operators.
Thales's airspace mobility solutions vice-president Christian Rivierre said: “We are honoured to collaborate with Avinor to bring this nationwide UTM system to life in Norway, prioritising safety, innovation, and, naturally, regulatory alignment.
“Together with Avinor, we embrace the development of BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) services in non-segregated airspaces, enabling technologies that make it simple and economical to perform safe, repeatable and scalable commercial UAS operations.”
Last month, JetZero, an aerospace and aviation component manufacturer, chose Thales' flight control solution for its eco-friendly aircraft.
