Variable Pitch is leading a consortium focused on developing advanced systems to safely integrate drones into existing airspace, enabling them to operate seamlessly alongside planes and helicopters.
These new solutions will allow drones to avoid collisions and navigate complex environments using advanced radar, real-time weather data, and AI-driven traffic control. The technology will unlock the full potential of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operations, allowing longer, more sophisticated missions. According to Variable Pitch, it marks a turning point for industries such as logistics and surveillance that rely on drones for their efficiency and speed. The project is intended to unlock immediate, real-world applications poised to revolutionise healthcare logistics and infrastructure maintenance while laying the foundation for the safe and scalable use of drones in Canada’s airspace.
“The second phase of trials will offer crucial experiential learning for the development of the Canadian RPAS Traffic Management system, enhancing the safe integration of remotely piloted aircraft systems,” said Alan Chapman, co-chair of the Trials Executive Steering Committee (TESC) and director of RPAS Traffic Management at NAV CANADA. “Integrating third-party services and capabilities with NAV CANADA’s centralised services will ensure airspace safety while collaboratively advancing new use cases, including those that require beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.”
The Ontario-based trials will demonstrate real-world applications, including medical supply deliveries and infrastructure inspections. Variable Pitch is supported by a consortium of leading companies, including High Lander Aviation (Israel), Accipiter Radar (Canada), TruWeather (USA), InDro Robotics (Canada), Dimetor (Austria), Speedbird Aero (Brazil), and Viasat (US). Together, they are
