ANRA Technologies' SmartSkies platform helps UAS pilots obtain approval for ops in controlled airspace

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ANRA Technologies has released what it describes as a “scalable and highly adaptable family of software services” called SmartSkies that enables coordination.

According to ANRA Technologies, SmartSkies provides execution and management of drone operations in controlled and uncontrolled airspace. SmartSkies CTR specifically addresses airspace management for Airport Control Zones and other sensitive airspace.

“We are proud to announce an addition to our family with the launch of SmartSkies CTR,” says Amit Ganjoo, CEO and Founder of ANRA Technologies.

“ANRA is addressing an immediate need with our cutting edge technology that meets today’s regulatory requirements. Now is the time to start implementing these capabilities for Airport Controlled Zones and other sensitive areas.”

SmartSkies gives UAS pilots the ability to obtain approval for drone operations within controlled or sensitive airspace using a simple mobile application or web portal. Based on criteria set by stakeholders such as Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) or regulators, SmartSkies provides real-time, automated processing of airspace authorizations.

ANRA’s intelligent app checks the airspace for any dynamic and static conflicts. If there aren't any, airspace authorization is automatically granted unless further coordination is required, at which point the pilot receives an alert. Further coordination requests are routed to the relevant stakeholders, which facilitates several levels of coordination that can include airspace controlled by different agencies. ANRA says that SmartSkies reduces the burden on airport tower personnel, who in turn benefit from having assurance that approved drones will operate in areas that do not interfere with other drones or manned aircraft.

Using the ANRA SmartSkies mobile app, drone pilots can apply for instant approvals to fly within Airport Control Zones.

Some of the built-in features of SmartSkies include integrating data from existing aeronautical data sources and creation of custom dynamic airspace zones, along with ingesting information from supplementary data sources like weather and terrain. The platform supports a number of functionalities, including but not limited to, drone tracking, traffic deconfliction, and auditing, all while adhering to privacy limitations within a secure system.

ANRA also added a feature for two-way text communication between drone pilots and airport towers based on feedback from regulators and ANSPs. Only authorized tower personnel will be able to communicate with drone pilots using SmartSkies technology, which helps improve coordination during airport-related emergencies. ANRA chose to use open interfaces with SmartSkies, which easily expands communication options. To ensure pilot flight safety, the company is currently researching improved human-to-machine interactions.

According to ANRA, the SmartSkies family of technology platforms includes optional services that permit networked information exchanges between stakeholders, which enables what ANRA describes as “unprecedented” shared situational awareness and capabilities. Using standard interfaces such as ASTERIX, as well as tracking and conformance monitoring for drones, SmartSkies also supports the integration of surveillance data. The platform can also support strategic deconfliction of drones from manned traffic, including in-flight deconfliction.

Thanks to its innovative, modular design that interfaces with today’s air traffic infrastructure, and readily scales for future innovation, SmartSkies is designed to support a variety of operations with ever-increasing complexity and risk, ANRA says. 

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