Review of the 17th Consortium Partner Meeting – this time with high-altitude flights
On the 3rd of July 2025, the 17th Consortium Partner Meeting (KPV) of AIRlabs Austria took place for the first time in the middle of one of our active test areas: in Frein an der Mürz, in the LO R9 Steinalpl flight area.
Our project managers set off the day before to prepare the location, test the equipment and explore the surroundings. It quickly became clear that Frein an der Mürz offers more than just ideal conditions for drone testing.
It wasn’t just the venue that made this event so special – the expanded participant field also contributed to the experience. In addition to long-standing consortium partners, we also welcomed external guests from research, business and administration and offered them a diverse programme.
AIRlabs test areas, radar and vision: How we are shaping the future of drones
Participants were welcomed in bright sunshine at the Freinerhof, where the day began with coffee and open discussion. The official welcome took place in the neighbouring event hall. AIRlabs Managing Director Roswitha Wiedenhofer-Bornemann opened the event and then handed over to Mr Peter Tautscher, Mayor of the municipality of Neuberg an der Mürz. In his welcoming speech, he emphasised the special proximity to the test region and how he and the municipalities are eagerly following our activities.
This was followed by a concise overview of the current status of the innovation laboratory by the management of AIRlabs. Tom Bruchmann, project manager at AIRlabs Austria, then shared updates on current developments in the test areas and gave a more detailed presentation ofkey technical components, such as the ELVIRA radar system from Robin Radar . This has been approved until June 2035 and is in operation at the Frauschereck and Steinalpl sites as well as at the LOGG Punitz airfield.
In addition to providing technical insights, he also announced important news regarding the future availability of the test areas: the Steinalpl area has been extended until the end of 2029, and an extension until the end of 2030 has been requested for Frauschereck and Reichersberg.
With a view to strategic development, AIRlabs is focusing on even greater consolidation of existing infrastructures, targeted focus on a future-proof test centre while retaining its unique selling points, adaptation to current technological and regulatory developments, increased operational safety and increased utilisation through an attractive range of services – always in close cooperation with the AIRlabs network.
In the subsequent open discussion, it was emphasised that AIRlabs is deliberately taking a different approach with its alpine test areas – far away from densely populated areas, but with a specifically selected topography that enables BVLOS flights, extreme weather conditions and high altitudes. These are conditions that are closer to real-life scenarios – for example in the area of icing, which is a research focus of AIRlabs.
Participants also found AIRlabs’ role in the regulatory process particularly valuable: as a partner that not only provides test infrastructure, but also supports approvals with practical experience and expert advice.
This content also formed the basis for the subsequent AIRlabs 2.0 pitch. The management unveiled the updated developed membership model as well as future goals and visions – including increased cooperation, new usage scenarios and long-term development prospects.
AIRlabs 2.0: From funding history to future strategy
Holger Friehmelt, Technical and Scientific Director at AIRlabs, opened the pitch with a brief review of the development history of AIRlabs. The innovation laboratory was originally launched under what was then the BMVIT, continued its path via the BMK and is now part of the BMIMI funding context. From the outset, AIRlabs pursued two perspectives: on the one hand, the external view of the funding bodies – with a focus on applications and infrastructure – and, on the other hand, the view of the community, which set specific requirements for large-scale test areas with specific ground risk characteristics, especially where airspace can be closed and legal hurdles are comparatively low.
Holger Friehmelt emphasised that the framework conditions have changed fundamentally since the early years: no European regulations, the lockdown, a dominant drone market from China – all of this was reality when AIRlabs was launched in 2020. With AIRlabs 2.0, the question now is: what makes an attractive portfolio for the next phase?
The focus is on applications that meet actual needs and generate sustainable benefits for society – especially where public funds are used. According to Friehmelt, it is crucial that technologies do not remain solely at the innovation level, but rather result in concrete business cases that also appeal to end customers.
Strengthening drone acceptance: information, responsibility and regional dialogue
There was also a particular focus on the social acceptance of drone technology. Holger Friehmelt pointed out the important role of information and education – for example, through targeted dissemination in the regions where testing is taking place, for example via local actors such as the ‘Mürzpanther’ in the area. Managing Director Roswitha Wiedenhofer-Bornemann also emphasised that fears among the population – exacerbated by war and negative reporting – must be taken seriously. This makes it even more important to highlight the benefits of drones for vital applications.
A brief exchange with the mayor showed that this approach also resonates locally: he reported that he had not received any negative feedback on the subject of drones in his community to date – on the contrary, he sees the necessity of drones in fire brigade search operations or fighting forest fires, for example.
Cargo drones – ‘curse or blessing’
One highlight of the programme was the presentation by Stefan Hölzl-Strohmayr (Strohmayr Trade & Consulting e.U.) on the topic of ‘Cargo drones – curse or blessing?’. Right at the start, he asked the central question: Are cargo drones a technical gimmick – or the solution to real challenges? A question that attracted rapt attention and aroused curiosity about the ‘resolution’.
The presentation first addressed typical reservations – such as the fear of surveillance, the loss of jobs or a general scepticism towards automated systems. However, Hölzl-Strohmayr countered these concerns with specific areas of application: cargo drones can be used where there are supply bottlenecks, where topography makes access difficult or where no alternatives are available – for example, in disaster control or in remote regions.
The associated challenges were also discussed: technical feasibility, regulatory requirements and issues of scalability. A look at international pioneers showed that many countries have already taken concrete steps towards cargo drone logistics – often supported by strong networks between research, industry and authorities.
Mountain air, technology and team spirit: our afternoon at Steinalpl
After a shared lunch at the Freinerhof, which was also used intensively for networking, it was time to get serious with the promised high-altitude flight. Together, we made our way up to the test area at Steinalpl, or more precisely to the Bärenkögerl launch site.
Even the journey there had adventure potential: dust clouds on the steep gravel road restricted visibility, but this did not dampen the mood in any way. And we also learned a little lesson: walkie-talkies are not only invaluable for flight operations – we should also equip our cars with them in future.
Once we reached the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view: alpine pastures, rugged mountain slopes, green valleys – and, a little further away, a herd of cows sunbathing and watching the proceedings from a safe distance.
Safety before take-off: briefing at Bärenkögerl
Tom Bruchmann, Flight Operations Leader at AIRlabs, kicked off the test area with a professional introduction and a safety briefing. Even though the day had been characterised by a relaxed atmosphere up to that point, the mood became noticeably serious here. Because one thing is certain: safety is the top priority in our flight tests and demonstrations.
Practice meets precision: The NIST course in real operation
Operator Kristóf Gombás then demonstrated the NIST course in action with impressive precision. He mastered the spontaneous tasks from the audience with confidence, while Holger Friehmelt explained the history and technical background of the course – a successful mix of practice and context.
Long-distance flight, radar and team spirit: hands-on technology
Another highlight was the drone flight with our DJI Matrice 300 RTK, which flew an impressive distance to another launch site. Only the flashing position light was still visible in the sky – to trained eyes. Meanwhile, Tom explained live which objects the radar was currently detecting – including passing birds and, of course, our drone. This amazed not only the guests, but also the AIRlabs team.
Weather change with a spirit of discovery
As dark clouds gathered over the mountain slopes, we made our way to the nearby Wildalmhütte, where we enjoyed a snack and took the opportunity to reflect on the day and consider future joint activities. An accompanying thunderstorm, hail and heavy rain caused most of the group to take refuge in the hut – while a few brave guests even enjoyed the natural spectacle outside.
‘That’s how you recognise researchers with heart and soul,’ commented Robin Deutsch with a laugh – and watched the hail photo shoot of an IFIRE project partner with obvious enthusiasm.
More than a networking event: a day of vision and impact
For AIRlabs Austria, the 17th consortium partner meeting was more than just a regular networking event – it was an experiment, an experience and a complete success. The combination of professional exchange, impressive surroundings and joint practice showed how much potential this format has when we think ahead together.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all participants – for their interest, the exciting discussions, the open exchange and the courage to break new ground with us.
The next ideas for 2026 are already in the air – in the truest sense of the word.
Gallery
