Keeping an eye on the sky

The UK Government has launched a £16 million national programme aimed at ensuring the safe operation of unmanned aviation vehicles (UAVs) in civil airspace.

The Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) led initiative forms part of the £32 million ASTRAEA (Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation and Assessment) programme. ASTRAEA sets out to collectively strengthen the UK's pedigree in UAV technology.

Unmanned craft could revolutionise police and fire service surveillance, coastal surveillance, power and pipeline inspections and mobile phone and broadband services. In the future, semi-autonomous UAVs could undertake these tasks using sensors and object avoidance technology.

Secretary of State for Trade & Industry Alistair Darling said, “ASTRAEA is a significant programme for the UK in establishing our credentials in the rapidly growing field of UAV development. It will strengthen collaboration across industry, universities, and regulatory authorities, positioning the UK amongst the world's leaders in UAV technology.

“This programme is an example of how leading private sector businesses and universities can work with government to deliver projects, which will lead to developments offering real economic and cost-effective solutions in areas such as environmental monitoring and security.