Drone Superhighway: Frequently Asked Questions

A drone superhighway is a route through airspace created for the efficient and safe movement of drones. In the case of Skyway, the Altitude Angel system utilizes traffic management technology to organise the flight of drones carrying high value goods and carrying out specific tasks along a set route between Reading and Coventry.

Skyway’s goal is to provide a ‘detect and avoid’ solution that enables drones to fly safely in the same airspace as other aviation. In turn this will provide the potential to generate jobs and growth in the UK, provide fast and reliable delivery of high value goods, offer new capabilities to emergency services and transfer time sensitive medical supplies between hospitals.

The drone superhighway is made up of a series of towers, which act as detection and communication devices that observe the sky with cameras and sensors and provide instructions to the drones along the superhighway. Drones navigate along set routes managed by Altitude Angel’s ARROW technology and operational staff which organises drone traffic and prevents collisions.

Drones using the superhighway do not record or observe their surroundings beyond what is necessary for navigation or carrying out their use-case – for example the inspection of an industrial building.

In order to facilitate the drone superhighway sensors and cameras used on the towers along the ARROW corridor face skyward.

The carrying capacity varies depending on the drone model. However, it generally ranges from small, lightweight items such as documents and small parcels, up to larger items of about 2 kg in weight. There are restrictions on certain types of goods for safety reasons. Over time, as the technology and market mature, it’s expected that a wider range of goods could be transported.

Contact Altitude Angel to see how the superhighway could benefit you or your business.

Drones will be able to fly along the predetermined route of the superhighway (include map). For most of the flying time, drones will fly at approximately 120m above the ground (approximately the height of the London Eye or the highest point of the White Cliffs of Dover). Drones may fly closer to the ground during take-off and landing, or when carrying out specific tasks such as building inspection.

Safety is the top priority in the design and operation of the drone superhighway and any operations within it will be approved by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The superhighway is equipped with collision avoidance systems and is continually monitored by an advanced air traffic management system. In the unlikely event of a malfunction, drones are designed to land safely to avoid harm to people or property. The flight path is designed to minimise flights near people and urban areas where possible.

The potential impact on wildlife has been carefully considered in the planning and operation of the drone superhighway. The flight paths are designed to avoid known wildlife habitats where possible. The drones also operate at altitudes that should minimize disturbances to most species. Conservation and respect for nature are integral aspects of this initiative.

Drones are designed to operate in a variety of weather conditions, but severe weather may disrupt service. The operation system constantly monitors weather conditions and reroutes or grounds drones as needed.