AirMap, an intelligence platform for drones, and Raytheon recently announced that they have signed a strategic agreement to collaborate on future projects to safely integrate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the national airspace system. The two companies intend to provide an integrated solution to enhance air traffic controllers’ awareness of potential conflict between drones and manned aircraft near airports to ensure overall safety of the airspace.
The companies will work in tandem, each using their expertise: Raytheon’s Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) used by air traffic controllers in the U.S. to provide safe and efficient aircraft spacing and sequencing guidance at both civilian and military airports; and AirMap’s intelligence platform for UAS operations.
“Raytheon technology has helped safely and effectively manage airspace in the most complex, dense controlled airspace in the world for decades,” said Ben Marcus, AirMap co-founder and chairman. “They are an ideal partner to join AirMap on the path toward enabling safe, efficient, and scalable drone operations in U.S. low-altitude airspace between 0 and 400 feet.
The end goal of the collaboration is to unlock the positive economic and social benefits of expanded commercial drone operations.
“AirMap is ushering in a new era of drone aviation,” said Matt Gilligan, vice president of Raytheon’s intelligence, information and services business. “Drones must safely operate in an already complex ecosystem, which is where our experience matters.”