SafeUAVnav – Safe Navigation and Localization of UAVs in GNSS-denied Environments
Funded under the LuFo VII-1 aviation research program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
Project Overview
The SafeUAVnav collaborative project aims to ensure the precision, availability, and reliability of self-localization and navigation for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), even in environments where satellite-based navigation systems (GNSS) are disrupted or unavailable. By developing and integrating a multi-hybrid sensor system that combines an inertial measurement unit with optical, radio-based, and other solutions, the project aims to set new standards for the safe navigation of UAVs.
In addition to other application scenarios, particular emphasis is placed on the maritime sector, which currently offers only a limited number of distinctive features for visual navigation methods and thus poses special challenges for reliable positioning.
The project helps make aviation safer in the field of UAVs, facilitates the integration of UAVs into European airspace, and advances potential concepts (e.g., in U-Space).
Project partners
- iMAR Navigation GmbH (Consortium Leader)
- Fraunhofer IFAM
- b.r.m. IT & Aerospace GmbH
Objectives of the collaborative project
- Development of a robust navigation solution for UAVs in GNSS-denied environments (e.g., in cases of interference from jamming or spoofing)
- Testing and validation of a multi-hybrid sensor system on various test platforms (UAV, ship)
- Demonstration of the solution's performance and reliability in onshore and offshore applications
- Contribution to the safe integration of UAVs into European airspace (U-Space)
Subprojects of b.r.m. IT & Aerospace GmbH
b.r.m. IT & Aerospace GmbH brings its extensive experience in manned and unmanned aviation, as well as its expertise in the development and testing of UAS, to the SafeUAVnav project.
The subproject focuses on the following key areas:
- Provision and use of the unique test infrastructure at Oldenburg-Hatten Airfield for realistic testing and validation, particularly under GNSS interference conditions (jamming and spoofing).
- Development and deployment of mobile and manned test platforms for UAVs, as well as integration of sensor systems into the carrier platforms.
- Use of a mobile video tracking system to capture flight paths with high precision as a reference for validating the navigation solution.
- Conducting test flights and flight campaigns in various scenarios to evaluate the robustness and reliability of the multi-hybrid solution.
- Analysis of corner cases and the interaction of various sensor technologies to ensure continuous and precise localization even under challenging conditions.
- Support with regulatory requirements and approval procedures, as well as the strategic utilization of project results.
Planned use of results
The project results will be utilized in the form of a demonstrator for research, testing, and presentations within the European U-Space. The demonstrator will be integrated into the b.r.m. UAS Control Center in Bremen (USSP) and will serve as a platform for further testing and as an interface with potential partners. The insights and technologies gained form the basis for further development toward marketable solutions for the safe and reliable BVLOS operation of UAVs.
Contact us
b.r.m. IT & Aerospace GmbH
Hanna-Kunath-Straße 31
28199 Bremen
Contact: Markus Rossol
Tel.: +49 421 341494
Email: markus.rossol@brm.de
