new UK group for UAVs

new UK group for UAVs

New UK Group to Promote Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Autonomous Systems

15 June 2005

It was announced at the Paris Air Show (15 June 2005) that a new cross-sector group has been established to prioritise and promote autonomous and UAV systems in the UK. SBAC and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association (UAVS) signed a memorandum of understanding that will see resources focused on accelerating the implementation of autonomous and UAV systems and making UK industry globally competitive.

The group will be led by Simon Jewell, Strategic Business Development Director at BAE Systems and David Barnes, Business Development Director (Air), Thales UK.

Dr Sally Howes, SBAC Director General said, ?I am delighted that SBAC and the UAVS have agreed on this new working arrangement. The UAVs market is developing rapidly and presents great opportunities for UK industry. The new Autonomy & UAV Systems Policy Group will ensure that industry maximises these opportunities and actively addresses the technical and regulatory barriers to their wider use.?

Membership to the group will not only come from the SBAC and UAVS Association, but will also be sought from Government and regulatory bodies and other relevant industries.

David Barnes, Chairman UAVS Association said, ?Combining the knowledge and expertise of UAVS Association and SBAC members will give the new policy group an influential voice in determining the future exploitation of unmanned aerial vehicles. This is an extremely exciting time for the industry and the establishment of this important cross-sector group sends a clear signal about our commitment and ambition.?

The first meeting of the group will be in Autumn 2005. Co-operative events specific to member companies from the SBAC and UAVS Association will run in parallel to the cross-sector group. These will ensure that members from both organisations and throughout the supply chain have access to information about relevant policy and technology priorities and opportunities.

Objectives for the new Autonomy & UAV Systems Policy Group will include:

Influencing UK and European Government policy.
Developing cross-sector links, identifying opportunities for joint R&D, and sharing lessons learned in the fields of autonomy and UAV systems.
Linking to adjacent sectors of Air Traffic Management, spectrum management and communication.
Building and implementing communication and stakeholder management plans with Government and regulatory bodies.

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Notes to Editors:

The SBAC is the national trade association representing suppliers to the civil air transport, aerospace defence and space markets operating in the UK economy. It represents over 800 member companies, assisting them in developing new business globally, facilitates innovation and competitiveness and provides regulatory services in technical standards and accreditation.

The SBAC maintains a number of member networks, including one involved in Unmanned Airborne Vehicles.

The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association (UAVS) is the Trade Association recognised by the United Kingdom Government for representing the interests of the UAV industry. Its goal is to stimulate a safe, effective and integrated way forward for the UAV systems industry. It acts as a focal point for industry wishing to develop, manufacture, support and operate either systems or sub-systems in the UK. It provides an industry forum for discussions with UK Government departments on all aspects of UAV system deployment and certification.

For further information, please contact: the SBAC Director of Communications.