Abstract
On the one hand, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) have experienced great applicability surge in the recent years, arising as a promising technology with a wide field of use. On the other hand, healthcare, a critical system in modern society, is subject to a heavy and unexpected pressure in the case of situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to leverage the flexibility of UASs as complementary support for healthcare logistic systems when under high-stress conditions, via quick deployment of an air delivery network. We have defined a logistics network model and created three scenarios based on the model and current needs in Valencia (Spain). Flight tests have been performed in these scenarios, which include urban areas and controlled airspace. Operations complied with requirements derived from the application of Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology, recently adopted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Flights were successful, being able to swiftly deliver medical goods without requiring any dedicated infrastructure. However, a moderate number of contingencies took place during the tests, mainly related to control link quality and Air Traffic Management (ATM) integration, forcing the use of dedicated procedures to cope with them. Although additional development is required to ensure the safety of large-scale automated operations, the use of UASs as part of logistic networks is a feasible means to support existing structures, especially in situations in dire need.
Highlights
Known as drones, these versatile tools have risen as a solution in many different fields, including aerial imagery, agriculture, mapping, inspections, or search and rescue, among others
Drone operations are restricted to visual line of sight (VLOS) conditions and must be performed in rural areas in uncontrolled airspace, in order not to pose a risk to people or other aircraft
This paper aims to define and test a specific Concept of Operations (ConOps) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) medical delivery operations in urban areas and inside controlled airspace as an extra dimension to an existing ground logistics network, including the process of operational authorization
Summary
Known as drones, these versatile tools have risen as a solution in many different fields, including aerial imagery, agriculture, mapping, inspections, or search and rescue, among others. A great tool from a theoretical point of view, and with a huge predicted market [1], practical deployment of drones faces several barriers that need to be tackled, especially regarding regulation and public perception [2]. Drones are considered aircraft as per the definition of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) [3], and drones are subject to compliance with aviation standards and procedures. Another critical barrier is the integration of drones in non-segregated airspace [4]. Drone regulation in each country is largely independent nowadays, leading to a low level of harmonization among countries
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