How Ideas
Take Off.
We support UAV projects throughout their entire development process – with test areas, regulatory expertise, access to research and operational implementation skills.
Idea
From project vision to reliable decision-making basis.
Every UAV project begins with an assumption: a potential application, a technological approach or an identified benefit. In this phase, we use structured feasibility studies to examine whether a drone-based approach is technically, organisationally and regulatorily feasible. We analyse relevant stakeholders, operating environments, operational requirements, data needs and economic parameters.
The result is not a vague idea, but a sound decision-making model that defines whether and how a UAV project should be pursued – before resources are committed.
Concept
Define technical, operational and regulatory system architecture.
We turn the idea into a viable concept that forms the basis for subsequent development steps. This concept describes how the system operates, which components are required, which data must be processed and which regulatory requirements must be taken into account.
Together with our network partners from research, industry and infrastructure, we ensure that technological possibilities, operational processes and regulatory requirements are consistently integrated. The result is not an abstract design, but a connectable system design.
Simulation
Analyse system behaviour before committing resources.
Before UAV components are integrated or procured, we support you in analysing system behaviour in simulation-based environments. Flight profiles, navigation logic, communication routines, icing processes, avoidance strategies, swarm behaviour and transponder and radio network dynamics are modelled, parameterised and evaluated under varying environmental and mission conditions.
This phase quantifies risks, identifies vulnerabilities and provides a reliable basis for decision-making. Simulations reduce iteration loops, minimise development risks and accelerate the transition to real-world validation.
Validation
Laboratory and infrastructure testing under realistic conditions.
Validation transfers simulated results into reproducible test environments. Special infrastructures such as climate wind and icing tunnels, indoor hangars, 5G and communication architectures, optical and inertial tracking systems for flight path measurement, and data-synchronous measurement systems for sensor and system parameters are available for this purpose.
Here, components, systems and operating logic are tested under controlled environmental, load and communication conditions: from material behaviour and de-icing mechanisms to autonomous take-off and landing processes, HMI interactions, sensor integration, electromagnetic influences and latency analyses.
Only successful validation creates the basis for regulatory approvals and operational tests.
Offical Authorisation
Obtain operating approvals and ensure legal compliance.
Technology is only ready for use once it has been approved. We support UAV projects throughout the entire regulatory process – including SORA, ConOps, emergency response plans, pre-application meetings and communication with authorities. Our experience with generic operating permits, BVLOS operations, enhanced containment and complex operating areas enables predictable approval processes.
Operations
Test system performance under real operating conditions.
Our test areas enable the operation of UAV systems in a variety of environments – from high and low mountain ranges to rural areas and urban airspace. Here, mission planning, system behaviour, communication processes, data transmission, sensor performance and operational stability are tested under real conditions.
To ensure that these test flights can be carried out safely, without disruption and in compliance with regulations, the test areas have dedicated airspace segments (TRA areas) that can be activated via NOTAM if necessary.
Application examples range from multispectral inspections over BVLOS routes, search-and-rescue scenarios, cargo UAV processes and 5G-based data architectures to sense-and-avoid tests. If required, qualified pilots from our network can be brought in to accompany missions or support test-related procedures.
Market Entry
Proven technology becomes operational benefit.
Once the testing and approval phases are complete, we support the transition to real-world operation. This includes data interpretation, process design, training, integration strategies, dissemination for funding and research projects, and the development of scalable business models.
As a result, a UAV project does not end with a test flight, but with an operational solution that can be used sustainably in the market or in organisations.
BVLOS-Missions
Flights beyond the pilot’s visual line of sight require not only technological prerequisites but also precise planning and risk assessment, as they necessitate special measures.
Emergency Response Plan
In the event of emergencies, e.g. loss of a drone or unexpected risks, a response plan must be in place to ensure safe operations.
Workload-Analysis
This assesses normal and emergency procedures and determines the workload of the remote crew. The reasonableness of the workload is confirmed by AIRlabs experts.