U-Space Reallabor North-West Germany and German Bight

The U-Space Reallabor North-West Germany and German Bight. The challenges and solutions for the use of drones in industrial, academic and civil areas require an orderly and coordinated use of the corresponding airspace. To make this possible, a new geozone is being created within existing airspace on the basis of the EU 2021/664 implementing regulation and embedded in the existing airspace structure: The so-called "U-Space" as a flight area for unmanned aerial systems. This also includes the provision of the corresponding services for use.

The EU DVO 2021/664ff has entered into force and is currently in the legislative process. The BMDV has already published a concept for the establishment of U-Spaces in Germany (DEZ 2022). To drive forward the development of real U-Spaces.

There are various approaches for the delimitation of U-space: A first approach pursues the strict delimitation of U-space within the airspace with regard to its maximum height and geographical extent. This makes sense as an initial utilization approach, but will not meet the expected drone flight requirements in the long term. Alternatively, there is an integrated approach for which this strict spatial demarcation is not a mandatory requirement. Only this integrated approach offers a complete scope of development for potential drone flight traffic.

The aim of a transnational project "U-Space North-West Germany and German Bight" is the successive development of airspace structures within which the operation of UAS is considerably simplified and automated and safety is increased, taking into account all relevant airspace users. If you have any questions about the project, please contact our U-Space Provider Mr. Markus Rossol.

We are working on various projects related to the future of unmanned aviation. Discover our current projects in the “U-Space” section.

A successive expansion of the flight areas will enable the "U-Space Reallabor Nord-Westdeutschland und Deutsche Bucht" to facilitate the integrative air traffic of manned and unmanned aviation. Starting from the drone testing center Hatten-UAS, located at the Oldenburg-Hatten EDWH airfield, a first route has been developed over the Jade Bay to the North Sea. Our Senior Aerotechnical Consultant Maximillian Strauß is at your disposal for comprehensive information on approvals and operating licenses for your UAS (VLOS / BVLOS)

The U-Space Reallabor North-West Germany and German Bight will be expanded in several stages to become fully operational. The expansion will be based on the specific needs of the individual participants and stakeholders. Here is an initial overview of the development of this transnational project:

2023: Compilation and integration of all relevant airspace participants

2023-2024: BVLOS areas Hatten - German Bight incl. trial operation (red)

2024-2025: BVLOS areas Cuxhaven & Helgoland incl. connection to phase 1 incl. trial operation (blue and green)

2025-2027: Expansion and connection of further airfields such as East Frisian Islands, Leck and Nordholz incl. trial operation (yellow) "From separation to integration" Development of fully functional "real" U-Spaces in the German Bight and northern Germany

Vision 2030 Further development in the respective built-up U-Space(s) towards a seamless connection to the "U4" of the SESAR ATM master plan from 2035 onwards

The U-Space Reallabor North-West Germany and German Bight project is receiving multi-layered support from these stakeholders, among others:

For detailed information on the U-Space Real Laboratory North-West Germany and German Bight and your participation opportunities, please contact our Managing Director Mr. Harald Rossol.

• Implement the principles of EU DVO 2021/664
• Integrate UAS into regular air traffic, no segregation
• Establish safe operation without exclusion zones, especially BVLOS
• Reduce administrative requirements for missions
• Enabling business scenarios and opening up the UAS market
• Strong innovation boost for aviation in northern Germany

Here you will find an insight into our project partners

• AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V.
• OptoPrecision GmbH
• IFAM
• Droniq GmbH