A drone flying in an urban locale. Photo courtesy of Interdrone
Aspen Avionics and Sensurion Aerospace have formed a co-development partnership to bring certified avionics to the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and unmanned air-taxi marketplace.
The companies’ focus is on FAA-certified autopilots, communications, navigation and surveillance systems, for small, medium and large UAS, including future cargo and passenger carrying aircraft.
With revenue estimates for commercial drone operations exceeding $100 billion in the next 10 years and the demand for UAS with certified avionics filling a large gap between hobby drones and military platforms, this partnership will create jobs and fill the void in commercial UAS avionics. The current UAS operational environment needs to evolve to meet what may be the next great global innovation: unmanned air-taxi and personal vehicles.
“Our UAS customer’s return on investment calculations turn profitable most quickly when they can operate beyond visual line of sight,” said Sensurion CEO Joe Burns. “What they are asking for are proven systems that do not cost a fortune, meet governing authority standards, are able to evolve with the pace of global digitization and, most importantly, offer a safer integration path into our airspace. Our roadmap is clear.”
Initial product development from the team will include an autopilot/flight controller, TSO GPS/GNSS and surveillance systems including ADS-B.