XCelerate

XCelerate partners' goal is to take UTM systems out into the real world, by providing a repeatable framework that towns, cities and wider can follow in order to open up portions of the skies and enable suitable safe BVLOS operations, including highly automated (no-pilot-in-the-loop) scenarios.

Project XCelerate will be enabled by a network of existing and new technologies underpinned by Altitude Angel's proven GuardianUTM OS, incorporating existing air traffic management and communications systems and augmented by new technology, such as 5G, cyber secure Drone Remote ID as well as Drone Detection and Surveillance/Counter capability with the most advanced aviation infrastructure in Europe.

Through Future Flight, BT will leverage their market leading communications experience, network, and infrastructure to enable drones to have greater connectivity and lower latency for quicker transfer of high precision data. The use of 4G/5G as primary or backup infrastructure will ensure drones remain connected for greater situational awareness, positional accuracy, and collision avoidance. This is a key enabler to unlock drones to fly BVLOS operations.

To ensure location and position of drones is available at all times and to increase reliability, Project XCelerate will establish secondary systems including; Satellite (Galileo), 4G/5G networks as backup.

In presenting the Arrow Drone Zone (ADZ) , we will establish a repeatable pattern for safe automated BVLOS operations, with automated drones facilitated by an independent surveillance and tracking system (including surveillance by humans in-the-loop) for low level aircraft along with separation and deconfliction services via the UTM system to assure safe operation in a manner that is achievable now and fully scalable in line with the industry growth rate.

The ADZ points the way, going from concept to routine operations, by providing the physical and digital infrastructure necessary, coupled with complete concept of operations, to create 'automated drone zones' that are fully connected into aviation management systems and paradigms.

By bringing together BT's strength in connectivity and national assets (i.e. reliable, secure, high bandwidth, low-latency radio and fixed connectivity; digital and physical infrastructure), with leading partners including; Altitude Angels' experience in UTM and ADZ frameworks, combined with leading drone service providers HeroTech8 and Skyports, public acceptance researchers from Myriad - a collaborative team of recognised academic experts, cyber security provider Angoka and end user experts SkyBound Rescuer (Emergency Response) and Dronestream (NHS), we are powerfully placed to realise the world's first live commercial UTM. XCelerate will establish certainty to the regulator, public, and the drone industry on the scalability and safety of routine BVLOS flights.