TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 18, 2024 / Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSXV:FLT.V)(OTCQX:TAKOF)(Frankfurt:ABB.F) (the “Company” or “Volatus”) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant of up to $75,000 from the Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) Green Fund to develop and integrate an on-board “detect and avoid” (DAA) system to deconflict drones from other aircraft, enabling a major step forward in safe and scalable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.
This funding, supported by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), aligns with Volatus’ mission to drive sustainable growth in the aerospace sector. Building on the recent merger with Drone Delivery Canada, Volatus’ engineering focus has shifted toward technologies with immediate commercial potential. The DAA system, combined with Volatus’ recent installation of Kongsberg Geospatial’s IRIS Terminal in its Operations Control Center for comprehensive airspace awareness, raises the bar for drone operations, accelerating the path to commercial scalability by providing a robust foundation for BVLOS capabilities.
The DAA solution will minimize the need for ground-based human intervention, allowing for more complex, extended routes while maintaining stringent safety standards. By enhancing airspace awareness through the IRIS Terminal, Volatus is rapidly unlocking new operational possibilities and expanding commercial applications of its drone fleet.
“On-board detect and avoid technology, together with the IRIS Terminal, represents a transformative leap in airspace awareness, essential for the commercialization of large-scale drone operations,” said Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. “The DAIR Green Fund empowers us to advance our DAA system, paving the way for safer, more complex BVLOS missions. This initiative is a perfect example of Volatus’ commitment to sustainable, scalable solutions for the future of aerial operations.”
“DAIR is pleased to be supporting Volatus through the DAIR Green Fund as they develop and integrate an on-board “detect and avoid” (DAA) system to deconflict drones from other aircraft,” said Phil Arthurs, Executive Director of DAIR. “This technology is important in progressing beyond visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone operation, and we look forward to the continued progress of this collaborative project.”
“Businesses and organizations and the entrepreneurs and workers behind them are an integral part of what keeps Canada’s economy strong,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “The Government of Canada is pleased to support organizations like DAIR as they help businesses, like Volatus Aerospace, grow and create new scalable and sustainable technologies and innovations for the aerospace industry. These efforts will help strengthen our aerospace sector while boosting our economy and creating good jobs.”
About the Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research
Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) is a not-for-profit whose mission is to revolutionize the collaboration environment by catalyzing innovation in aerospace and beyond. DAIR supports its members and network by offering access to state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure to accelerate leading-edge and sustainable research and technology adoption; creating training solutions for the business and technology challenges of today and tomorrow; providing a platform for industry, academia, and government synergies; fostering and advancing R&D partnerships; and bringing awareness to the aerospace industry locally, nationally, and globally. To learn more about DAIR please visit www.dairhub.com.
About FedDev Ontario
For 15 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario , has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our investment profiles, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s X , Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Volatus Aerospace:
Volatus Aerospace is a leader in innovative global aerial solutions for intelligence and cargo. With a strong foundation of over 100 years of combined institutional knowledge in aviation, Volatus provides comprehensive solutions using both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). We serve industries such as oil and gas, utilities, healthcare, and public safety. Our mission is to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge, real-world solutions.