ESA’s Unmanned Parcel Delivery Project

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The RPAS UPD project aims to utilise RPAS technology to provide a high-performing unmanned delivery solution for customers in remote locations. On track for completion within 36 months, the project incorporates a technical and commercial feasibility study into the use of remotely piloted systems in parcel delivery, culminating in the eventual demonstration and operation of a live UPD service to customers in hard-to-reach locations.

USERS AND THEIR NEEDS

Based on a feasibility study poll, the target market for the RPAS UPD service lies in three main sectors:

  • Regular express parcel delivery
  • High-value asset delivery
  • Emergency/urgent needs supply to disaster areas

It is essential that the service is commercially sustainable, and as such, end-users require an express delivery solution that is:

  • Cost-effective
  • Reliable and secure
  • High-performing

In order to meet these user requirements, the RPAS craft must be capable of travelling long distances and carrying a considerable payload. Due to these robust requirements, the technical feasibility of the project is just as vital as its commercial longevity.

To enhance the project’s understanding of user needs, three end users from the foreseen target markets are submitting their requirements for a live RPAS UPD service to the project.

Markets/Countries

  • Regular express parcel delivery – UK, BENELUX, others
  • High-value asset delivery service – UK, BENELUX, others

Emergency/urgent needs supply to disaster areas – UK, BENELUX, with others considered

SERVICE/ SYSTEM CONCEPT

Involving an autonomous network of ground and air transportation, the UPD service will operate along static flight routes between fixed arrival and departure locations, a model that can be scaled upwards to meet demand. Operating under a reduced level of autonomy with some human interaction in the early stages, the consortium envisages the service shifting towards greater autonomy when the necessary regulations and infrastructure are in place. Starting with just a few routes in the BENELUX and UK regions, the delivery network will expand in accordance with growing demand for the service and the certification of new delivery routes.

SPACE ADDED VALUE

Satellite and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications are indispensable to the success of the project. Enabling data communications far beyond the range of any existing terrestrial mobile network, satellite and BLOS communications will ensure the safety, security and reliability of the UPD service by allowing remotely piloted systems, and other vehicles in the delivery chain, to be connected and located at all times. The range and precision provided by satellite and BLOS communications play a vital role in guaranteeing the safety and autonomy of the UPD service.

CURRENT STATUS

The feasibility study is still on track for completion at the end of September, testing of Head Communications’ BLOS system has been very successful so far. Next stage is to test BLOS system in flight mounted on a UAS airframe.  Further interest from stakeholders and end users for the project is increasing as the project move closer towards the Feasibility Study end point.  The consortium is also in early stage considering a follow-on demonstration project, with a view to launching a live service into operation.

Source: Website

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