Droniq and partners conduct long-distance test flights

Droniq, Fraunhofer IFAM and Hanseatic Aviation Solutions have carried out successful long-distance flights as part of a test at the recently inaugurated Offshore Drone Campus Cuxhaven (ODCC) in Germany. The Hanseatic S360MK.II fixed-wing drone was used, equipped with a parachute, satellite communications, air traffic control, a transponder and a buoyancy aid for emergency landings.

“The test flight went from Cuxhaven to the mouth of the Elbe, along the shipping route to Heligoland and back – a distance of about 180 km,” Droniq said. “The flight was coordinated from the ground station in the ODCC, with an altitude of just over 200 m. The safety systems on board were extensively tested, supported by a research vessel from Fraunhofer IFAM, which was stationed on the dike.”

The tests provided insights into communication links, air traffic control and other systems. Research is also being carried out into how drone operations can be safely integrated into existing manned aviation and shipping without having a negative impact on the environment.

In the long term, Droniq aims to carry out regular drone missions over the North and Baltic Seas and says these missions could include the protection of critical infrastructure, monitoring of shipping lanes and maritime emergency management .

Further tests are expected to follow next year to explore the possible uses of long-range drones.