Drone deliveries for the social service and rescue services
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Katla Aero AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | September 2020 - April 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovations to mitigate the crisis |
| Call | Finding new ways in the time of a crisis |
Important results from the project
The goals of the project were partially met. User studies were carried out and a concept of a service was developed, BVLOS capacity (beyond visual line of sight) was demonstrated and flights were carried out, but COVID, technical challenges, a protracted permit process, delays with components and bad luck with bad weather meant the project did not reach all the goals. However, several important obstacles to being able to carry out routine BVLOS flights have now been removed, which means that there is a way forward for the technology for commercial use.
Expected long term effects
In the project, we have solved several of the challenges that exist with drone transport in sparsely populated areas, verified the needs of the need owners and developed the infrastructure required to be able to operate regular flights between Åsele and Fredrika. BVLOS flights have been implemented, but further test flights will be required to be able to offer a safe, regular transport between the two locations.
Approach and implementation
The project was largely carried out according to plan, but was affected by ongoing problems that were difficult to predict and plan for. As a result, the project was extended several times, until it was judged that sufficient results been achieved. The big challenge was to solve BVLOS flights, which very few actors in Sweden have managed before. The test flights in Åsele were much appreciated and the ground infrastructure for BVLOS flights was explored and reached a high level, which means that Åsele can now serve as a base for BVLOS drone testing also in the future.