Droniq turns on the floodlights

Image from left to right: Theo Beisch (jetvision), Thilo Vogt, Jan-Eric Putze (both Droniq), Günter Köllner (jetvision)

Droniq GmbH is extending the ‘visibility’ of air traffic in very low-level airspace, making aircraft easier to detect. Through a cooperation agreement with jetvision, Droniq will be able to track the position of all participants in air traffic that use any of the common technologies for collision avoidance or position broadcast. The agreement means that Droniq will be raising the safety level for all users, facilitating more government and industrial drone use and illuminating previously undetected airspace users.

So far, the parts of the airspace near the ground, known as very low-level airspace (VLL), have resembled a map with dark, uncharted territory. Territory that requires illumination. Due to the low altitude, the air traffic participants flying here cannot be detected by conventional sensor technologies, such as radar. A comprehensive means to make airspace users digitally ‘visible’ is not yet available. At the same time, the level of air traffic taking place here is increasing, especially commercial and government drone use.

Since its foundation in 2018, Droniq has been increasingly illuminating air traffic in very low-level airspace with its antenna technology. Now, it has the capability to cover the airspace at low altitudes down to treetop level. This has been made possible by the new cooperation agreement with jetvision, based in Munich, Germany, the leading manufacturer of receivers for transponder signals emitted by aircraft. Jetvision’s technology detects all airspace users using commonly available technologies, such as ADS-B, FLARM®, Mode A/C and Mode S. In addition to drones, these include sailplanes and small aircraft.

Explaining the move, Droniq CEO Jan-Eric Putze said: “As a company, Droniq is about advancing commercial and government drone use. Besides the technology and expertise, what is needed here above all is ‘visibility’. It is only when users can detect each other in very low-level airspace that they can safely co-exist. Through the cooperation agreement with jetvision, we are taking a big step towards making exactly that possible on a large scale throughout Germany.”

Günter Köllner, CEO of jetvison, added: “Our receivers and software enable the detection of lowflying aircraft in areas that conventional radar cannot reach.” “With over 600 receivers in Germany alone, we have a well-developed and steadily growing network of ground-based reception technology and are also in a position to flexibly drive local expansion with cost-effective technology. We are pleased to have Droniq as a partner with whom we can jointly contribute to increasing flight safety in drone operations.”

Droniq makes the movements of airspace users visible as part of its live air situation display. In addition to the current position, it also shows who the users are and at what altitude, direction and speed they are travelling.

For the future, Droniq plans to further expand the detectability of users in very low-level airspace.

About Droniq GmbH

Droniq GmbH is a joint venture founded in 2019 by DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung, who holds a 51-percent stake, and Deutsche Telekom, who holds a 49-percent stake. The company is based in Frankfurt, Germany, and has set itself the objective of advancing the professional and safe use of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, by public authorities and organisations tasked with public safety and security as well as by companies.

The core of Droniq’s product offering is the Droniq traffic management system for unmanned aircraft systems (UTM). The UTM shows pilots all surrounding air traffic – both manned and unmanned. Furthermore, other air traffic participants can also see the drone, if necessary. With this system, which is unique in Germany, Droniq is creating the basis for using drones safely beyond the visual line of sight.

Other services offered by Droniq include the sale of drones for commercial and government use, as well as hardware and software solutions for their safe operation. It also supports its customers in applying for operating licenses and advises on mission planning. With its Droniq Academy in Frankfurt, Mönchengladbach and other places in Germany, the company also offers remote pilots the opportunity to complete training and examinations. Droniq’s customers include police forces at all governmental levels, fire and rescue services as well as companies from the chemical, logistics, construction and security sectors. www.droniq.de

About jetvision (GKED GmbH)

jetvision “True Air Traffic” is a technology provider of receiver, network and antenna solutions for aircraft tracking. From Mode-A/C to Mode-S and ADS-B to FLARM®, jetvision offers highly sensitive sensors for detecting aircraft – in real time and with the highest precision. jetvision products are used worldwide, including by all well-known flight tracking websites. Applications range from aircraft noise detection and avoidance to anti-collision light control of wind farms at night to supporting local airfields with automated landing and take-off detection or display of local approaching and departing low level traffic – or in the new market of drones and unmanned aviation. jetvision® is based in Vierkirchen near Munich. www.jetvision.de