UAS/UAV

The Oldenburg-Hatten airfield (EDWH) in the north of Germany is to be developed into a test center for unmanned civilian flight systems "drones".

Drones are so-called unmanned aerial vehicles. This term comes from the English word "UAV = unmanned aerial vehicle". However, the unmanned objects should not be confused with UFOs, which are unknown flying objects.

Drones can fly autonomously or automatically as well as under human control. The most important point in the definition of drones is that unmanned flight, automated or human-piloted, is not decisive for the classification of a flying object as a drone.

Drones can be used for a wide range of applications. On the one hand, there is civilian use. Here, for example, a drone can be a a hobby object that is used purely for flying or for filming and photography. Professional use of drones often occurs in the technical control of high-voltage pylons or in surveying technology, for example. On the other hand, there is the military use of drones, for example for reconnaissance or combat. The dimensions range from a few centimetres to the size of an airliner with a wingspan of approx. 60 m.

The unique selling point of the Hatten-UAS is the wide view to the north into the Jade Bay and the North Sea with its very sparsely populated landscape. The flight area has already been approved by the Lower Saxony State Authority for Road Construction and Transport. Hatten-UAS is responsible for the safe operation of drone flights.

The avoidance rules applicable to general aviation must also be observed by drones when participating in general air traffic outside the visual range of the remote pilot. This requires "seeing" other air traffic participants. Especially at low altitudes and for small flying objects that are difficult to detect by radar, there are capability gaps in the air traffic control systems established to date.

In order to close these capability gaps Hatten-UAS is planning a new type of system that is installed on wind turbines. The system receives the transponder signals of all air traffic participants and displays their position and flight direction with high precision for all (remote) pilots. This enables pilots to avoid conflicts. Components for such a system are already available, but have not yet been tested in sufficient field trials. The components of the partner company jetvision are to be tested in the planned model system under real operating conditions in long-term trials.

Germany and Lower Saxony have the opportunity to strongly support the German aviation industry in this niche market. Hatten-UAS offers the basis for this. The airfield infrastructure also offers space for the establishment of relevant start-ups with highly qualified jobs.

Oldenburg-Hatten airfield EDWH:

• Grass runway 06/24, 900m - 3000ft
• between Bremen and Oldenburg
• full flight safety service
• Hangar space
• Tasting possible

Hatten-UAS:

• UAS with up to 150 kg MTOM
• maximum flight altitude of 500 ft / 150m above ground
• within the pilot's extended line of sight (VLOS / eVLOS) by day and night and 
• outside the pilot's line of sight (BVLOS) during the day