Drone trial moves closer to take off

Federation researchers are playing a key role in a trial that will assess how advanced air mobility platforms like drones can be integrated into existing air traffic control systems.

The researchers from the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Centre (CERC) are leading the community engagement component of the Regional Advanced Air Mobility Surrogate Trial (RAST) that will begin in Latrobe City in early 2024.

Using electric aviation technology and an uncrewed drone, the flights will take off in February, following a series of information workshops and community events where residents can learn more about the research and see the drones up close.

The drone flight tests and trials will be conducted by Textron Systems Australia in partnership with Swinburne AIR Hub researchers using the Aerosonde Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS).

The Aerosonde has flown more than 600,000 flight hours in extreme environments worldwide and is subject to rigorous regulatory oversight from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The project also has the backing of Invest Victoria.

CERC director Professor Jo Porter says the project has the potential for many applications throughout regional Victoria.

"This is an exciting and innovative aviation technology that is environmentally friendly. There is a need to move to a zero-emission environmentally friendly economy and to de-carbonise transport and logistics in regional areas," Professor Porter said.

"And this technology could be used for air search and rescue to assisting with fire control - in particular scanning fire-affected areas and supporting remote and rural communities and anyone who gets isolated during any sort of natural disaster - these drones are often able to fly where helicopters can't."

CERC's role in the project is the community engagement element, having already held workshops with the aviation industry, government and industry partners.

"Now we're holding community events right across Gippsland and Latrobe city, and this is our way to engage with the community, to talk about the drone technology, which is exciting and innovative, by actually showing the community a drone," Professor Porter said.

"The community has the opportunity to talk to the experts, the pilots, and the engagement team about the applications of this. The exciting element of the project is the potential of how these drones can be used throughout regional Victoria." Professor Jo Porter

The Aerosonde can carry up to 50 kilograms, a payload that could see the drones carrying medical equipment or generators to people who have become cut off by a fire or other emergency.

Professor Porter says Invest Victoria highlighted Latrobe City as the ideal place to trial the integration of advanced air mobility into the local air traffic control system.

"It's a great location because of the large pockets of green space for the drones to fly over, there's an airfield that they can fly out of, and also a large number of industries that can support this drone technology and look at the applications for it," Professor Porter said.

"For the community, there will be questions about noise, safety and privacy issues, but we're easing any fears by telling residents the purpose of the research which is really important.

"This commercial application of technology has been used for many years. By partnering with Textron Systems Australia, the drones will be controlled by highly qualified pilots in a very controlled space and totally regulated through CASA. There are many safeguards.

"People on the ground may hear a sound like the noise of a lawn mower for about five seconds. The flights are about 40 minutes, flying at about 80 kilometres per hour, so there is very little impact to the locals in Latrobe City during the trials."

Professor Porter says a workshop at Latrobe Airport revealed a strong understanding that the technology was becoming more prominent. She says there was excitement around the industry's growth, with the only concern raised about how the flights will be integrated with no tower at the airstrip.

"This research is about trying and testing to see what needs to happen to integrate a drone into a space like Latrobe Airport, so it's working with those the aviators to see what needs to occur, what needs to happen and what information they need to safely operate alongside the drones," Professor Porter said.

"We're having lots of conversations around industries about moving away from fossil fuels, and this coming to Latrobe as a green industry, and with Latrobe City developing an aerospace technology precinct, this is an exciting and innovative project for the region."

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