A Drone Superhighway Is Being Built In The UK

As drones continue to be woven into our everyday lives, from package delivery to aiding medical needs, the UK government is looking to integrate them further by commissioning a dedicated virtual highway for them to conduct deliveries.   

Henceforth known as the ‘Skyway’, this 164-mile superhighway will enable drones to have easier and unobstructed access on delivery routes.   

The Skyway is being created to enable drones to be flown without human supervision. Currently, only rare instances allow for drones to fly completely autonomously. A highway constructed specifically for them removes the chances of accidents happening.

Manufacturers will be able to connect their drones routes to the superhighway system and program journeys without deterrence. This will be achieved by placing high-powered sensors on the ground to create a sensor network that can guide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).   

This allows drone makers to retain their current payloads and range without having to worry about incorporating onboard sensors into the devices.

The new highway is being built to connect towns such as Reading, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Coventry, and Rugby to this new network of drones. It’s set to be operational by 2024.

Unified Traffic Management (UTM), a tech firm based in Reading, will be leading the project alongside drone and UAV company Altitude Angel.   

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng announced the project at the Farnborough International Airshow where a budget of £273 million (US$327 million) was granted.   

[via TechRadar and BBC, cover photo 123460056 © Aerogondo | Dreamstime.com]