ANRA Technologies, a leader in uncrewed traffic management and operational solutions, announced this week a partnership with the Estonian Aviation Academy (EAVA), “a state-owned institution with a mission to educate and train future aviation talent,” reports a press release.
The release continues, “The partners will jointly co-develop, manage, and operate an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) testing facility in Tartu, Estonia, for the wide-scale development and deployment of UAS technologies for U‑space implementation.”
The initial successful testing and validation phases last September with the Estonian Transport Administration, Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, alongside the Tartu Science Park Foundation, has paved the way for ANRA and EAVA to establish permanent test facilities for U‑space operations and supporting infrastructure.
Amit Ganjoo, Founder and CEO of ANRA Technologies, remarked, “This strategic alliance marks a significant step forward in advancing the capabilities of uncrewed aerial systems, and it solidifies the shared commitment of both ANRA and EAVA to drive innovation and progress towards fully commercialised UAS operations in the EU.”
He continued, “The Tartu-based testing facility will serve as a hub for research, testing, and refinement of UAS technologies, fostering an environment conducive to the evolution and integration of these technologies into the EU airspace.”
Amit Ganjoo
Maiken Kull, Vice Rector of Development at the Estonian Aviation Academy, added, “This collaboration is set to unlock new possibilities and contribute to the broader landscape of UAS development, making Estonia a focal point for advancements in U‑space implementation.”
Employing ANRA’s airspace and fleet management technology solutions combined with EAVA’s aviation expertise, facilities and staff, provides a first-of-its-kind sandbox in the region. The collaboration “provides a conducive test environment for de-risking and maturing technologies and services that align with EU U‑space regulations while also serving as a catalyst for accelerating innovation and market adoption of Innovative Aerial Services,” explains the release.
The establishment of a U‑space sandbox enables stakeholders to fulfil their roles and responsibilities in accordance with EU Regulation 2021/664, 2021/665, and 2021/666, facilitating the evaluation of their business and operational strategies.
It also allows the Competent Authority to establish a gradual approach to commercial operations and service provision in a real-world environment until U‑space is fully implemented.
Meanwhile, EAVA takes on the role of managing airspace and coordinating flight activities in multiple test sites by establishing the sandbox operations centre at its premise near the airport and the City of Tartu.
Estonian Aviation Academy
This aligns with regional efforts to develop the IAS ecosystem where U‑space stakeholders can converge to validate and implement UAS solutions addressing urban challenges.
The physical and digital infrastructure for the test centre is to be established and available for trialling during the second half of this year.
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