Mode S Remotely Piloted Air System in the UK

[ACW367]

An interesting Parliamentary Question was answered today about Mode S.  The
Army's Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System which is currently undergoing
test flights from Parc Aberporth is Mode S equipped.  Another type to consider
when looking at tie-ups for new UK Mil hexes.

Unmanned Air Vehicles
28 Feb 2011 : Column 84W
Angus Robertson MP: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which unmanned
aerial vehicles are equipped with (a) an approved Sense and Avoid capability and
(b) a Secondary Surveillance Radar Mode S transponder; [41954]

Which types of unmanned aerial vehicles can fly in each classification of UK
airspace; [41955]

Peter Luff (defence minister): Within the UK, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
procured by the Ministry of Defence operate only in segregated airspace,
specifically restricted airspace (temporary), and in danger areas.

The following table provides details of MOD procured UAV flights in UK
segregated (i.e. restricted) airspace and in danger areas, in each of the last
three financial years.

UAV  Watchkeeper
Type of airspace Segregated   Danger area
2008-09                  0    0
2009-10                  0    0
2010-11 (to date)        13   1

No MOD procured UAVs are equipped with an approved sense and avoid capability.
The Watchkeeper UAV, which is not yet in-service, is fitted with a Secondary
Surveillance Radar Mode S Transponder. No other MOD procured UAV has this
capability.

[tarbat]

Interesting.  I wonder why Angus Robertson was asking the question, specifically about procedures for aborting flights of UAVs.  I guess he's worried about an aborted flight endangering people in the Moray area around Kinloss/Lossie.

Full details of questions/answers is at http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2011-02-28a.41893.h

[ACW367]

Yep
I obviously follow this.  He has now asked about 20 PQs about RPAS.  With lossie/kinloss under threat I think he is seeing if either could become a RPAS base either with a future RPAS that is able to sense and avoid and operate in class G airspace or by creating a super danger area around the grampians and Tain range.

Unfortunately I think he is clutching at straws and hope enjoys the Army barracks or prisons that could be coming his way.

[tarbat]

I tend to agree about him clutching at straws.  But with Moray so dependent on Lossie/Kinloss, I guess he wants to be seen to be doing something.  And I doubt that an army base or prison will be seen by locals as a great replacement for the RAF bases.

I told my wife about these UAVs, and all she asked was "how noisy is a UAV", is it noiser than a Tornado!!  Tain Range has been busy (noisy to my wife) over the last few days.

[dudbaker]

Hi

Ever since they scapped the Nimrod 4 I have wonder what will replace it.

Opt 1.  UAV with MAD boom.
Opt 2.  Airship.  Similar to what is being developed for the US at Carington.

Dudley