How Project HADO® will change the way we use drones

Project HADO® was developed with a clear mission in mind: enable multiple drones to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

Using a wide range of technologies, including drone surveillance systems and sophisticated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) traffic management products, this project seeks to bring countless benefits to global markets.

Currently, unmanned aerial systems are not permitted to fly BVLOS in dense, complex environments. While the regulations limiting drone operations are necessary, this does challenge the practical applications of drones and the benefits that they can bring to daily life.

At OSL, we are leading the development of Project HADO® alongside a consortium of partners to meet two core objectives:

1. Demonstrate high-authority BVLOS Operations with unmanned aerial systems weighing up to 25kg in dense traffic environments
2. Support the development of leading standards and regulations using our demonstration at Heathrow Airport as evidenced recommendations

Through these objectives, the project hopes to help harness the capabilities of BVLOS operations, making the UK an industry leader in UAS technology while opening a wide array of real-world use cases.

The benefits of Project HADO® are endless

Our work developing Project HADO® and demonstrating the project’s capabilities in one of the world's most complex environments promises to realise a wide range of worldwide benefits. Just some of these advantages include:

Create revolutionary, world-leading capabilities

UAS drones operating beyond visual line of sight hold the potential to help shape our daily life through a range of applications across multiple sectors – from defence and security to deliveries and mobile network coverage. Estimated to be worth more than £45bn to the UK economy, this potential can no longer be ignored.

Accelerate the roll-out of BVLOS UAS operations, standards, and regulations

To achieve multi-UAS BVLOS operations throughout the UK and beyond, regulations must be introduced that support safe roll-out.

We are collecting data-driven evidence through our testing and demonstration at Heathrow Airport which can be used to inform how UAS and BVLOS regulations can continue to be developed.

Provide access to a global market

Through Project HADO®, we hope to create a model of commercial BVLOS UAS operations that can be rapidly implemented across hundreds of national sites – establishing the UK as a world leader in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility technology.

What’s more, this model can also be exported globally, representing the significant potential to shape a worldwide market.

The applications of HADO®

Heathrow Airport’s current status as one of the world’s most complex environments provided us with an effective representation of a city – complete with large volumes of people, security systems, vehicles, infrastructure, and more. As a result, we gained unique insight into the potential applications of HADO® in other similar environments.

While this research is still ongoing, we have already identified multiple real-world use cases where autonomous BVLOS drones can enhance operations.

Performing routine perimeter patrols

Multiple drones may operate as automated 24/7 BVLOS patrols, aiding security teams further their situational intelligence.

Capable of quickly and confidently identifying any security concerns, these drones can help supply teams with the activity data needed to rapidly close the window of vulnerability with enhanced visibility.

Small consignment courier services

Project HADO® can enhance BVLOS operations to make the couriering of small consignment items possible within a defined perimeter – saving valuable resources while making operations as efficient as possible.

Identification of rogue drones and pilots

The 2018 closure of Gatwick airport demonstrated the mass disruption that unidentified drone incursions may cause, forcing the cancellation of more than 1,000 flights, and affecting more than 140,000 passengers.

HADO® can enable drones to protect airports against the disruption caused by unidentified drones with rapid and responsive alerts on incursions, saving both money and time.

Inspecting infrastructure

Drones operating BVLOS can help monitor asset conditions and identify any actions needed. This mitigates the risks commonly associated with manual inspections, such as environmental hazards or those due to human error, all while minimising any environmental impact.

Aiding rapid incident responses

When non-aviation incidents do occur, responses must be strategic, confident, and armed with the most up-to-date information possible.

BVLOS drones can provide teams with situational awareness 24 hours a day, enabling them to make informed decisions about non-aviation-related incidents and minimise the impact.

Leading a ground-breaking project

Leading by a consortium of industry-leading partners, including Thales UK and Cranfield University, Project HADO® aims to revolutionise the role drones play in our daily lives. Creating a model that can be replicated anywhere in the world, HADO® aims to break the common BVLOS barriers while informing current legislation.

To learn more, discover the latest Project HADO® news.