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Fly Two UAVs at Once?

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Thales has developed a proof-of-concept touchscreen control station enabling UAV pilots to operate multiple aircraft simultaneously.
  • The system automates take-off, flight, tracking, and landing, allowing operators to focus on surveillance missions, manage sensors, and detect threats.
  • While enhancing surveillance capabilities and coverage, the regulatory stance of bodies like the FAA and EASA on a single pilot managing multiple UAVs is yet to be determined.
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French aerospace manufacturer Thales has come up with a proof-of-concept that takes multitasking to a whole new level. The experimental touchscreen control station would allow UAV pilots to operate multiple aircraft simultaneously.

“The operator simply has to sit down and define what to track,” said Arnaud Galimberti, the project’s engineering manager. “Take-off, flight trajectory, tracking and landing are almost entirely automatic, so the operator can focus fully on the actual surveillance mission.”

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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