Inzpire to aid MCA flight trials

Inzpire Limited will provide planning and operational management to the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) during its UK flight trials of unmanned aerial systems.

The trials will demonstrate the advantages of using long-range unmanned capabilities in civilian airspace.

"This is a huge opportunity for Inzpire," said Paul Rolfe, Inzpire’s head of unmanned and ISTAR experts. "We are delighted to be involved in this ground breaking demonstration."

Inzpire Limited will provide subject matter experts. They will plan the Search and Rescue (SAR) missions for the platforms as specified by the MCA. They will also manage all planning and operational aspects of the demonstration.

Inzpire’s experts will work inside the bounds of the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) approvals to design missions.

During the planning phase, Inzpire Limited will produce a detailed flying schedule in coordination with the airfield operations department.

This schedule will build in complexity, taking a measured approach to achieving the MCA’s desire to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight of the operator in uncontrolled and unsegregated airspace.

In support of the safe operation in the UK, Inzpire Limited will also produce supporting documents. These include Standard Operating Procedures and Concept of Operations to assist in continued development of the capability.

Inzpire will also capture all data and lessons identified, providing a detailed report to the MCA of the findings.

Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani said: “Drone technology has enormous potential for our search and rescue teams.

"This ground-breaking project will not only hope to boost the capabilities of our already fantastic teams but will also boost our ability to spot pollution hazards and protect our precious marine environment."