The UK is one of the leading developers of unmanned aerial vehicle technology, with Scotland playing its part in research, development and manufacturing. Initially pre-programmed vehicles for target practice, UAVs now fill a wide variety of civil and military roles, and Scotland has ambitions to be at the forefront of future developments.
Unmanned aerial vehicles – worldwide industry
Unmanned aerial vehicles are used for a number of purposes, including surveillance, search and rescue, decoy, targeting and communications relay, with capability and range extended as technology develops.
The world market for unmanned aerial vehicles is expected to be worth $10 billion by 2011, as use within military and civil contexts increases.
The unmanned aerial vehicles industry in Scotland
There is potential to develop equipment for both the military and civil markets within Scotland. The UK National Aerospace Technology Strategy promotes major investment in UAVs, including £32 million of funding through the ASTREA programme.
Research and development activity centres on clearance for flight in controlled airspace. This will open the way for widespread use in civil markets as Scotland develops expertise in civil certification of UAVs.
Unmanned aerial vehicles and Scotland – the benefits
Scotland offers many advantages to companies looking to invest in the unmanned aerial vehicles industry here:
- The ASTREA programme helps companies develop expertise in the civil certification of UAVs to allow operations in controlled airspace.
- Scotland is a world leader in sensor technology, with significant expertise in the military aviation sector.
- Technologies and skills developed in the Scottish energy industry can be applied to unmanned aerial vehicles.
- The strong skills base and expertise in civil aircraft design and manufacture can be applied to UAVs.
Unmanned aerial vehicles in Scotland – opportunities
Scottish companies and research institutes have a number of opportunities available to them in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
- A significant pot of money is available for Scottish companies and universities to develop expertise in the civil certification of UAVs.
- Increasing investment in UAV technology around the world means that opportunities will exist for the foreseeable future.
- Due to past involvement in civil aircraft manufacturing, the expertise to design and build unmanned aerial vehicles exists in Scotland.
- UAVs could potentially survey energy industry pipelines and power lines in place of helicopters, helping to reduce any environmental impact.
- Scotland’s world-leading sensor technology, currently used in the military sector, could be developed for use with UAVs in the civil aerospace industry.
Contact us to discover the full range of services we offer companies looking to invest in unmanned aerial vehicles, or any other aerospace industries in Scotland