Airbus carry out 5G tests on pilot-less planes

In order to determine whether 5G makes it possible to safely deploy autonomous aircraft in areas intended for drones, Airbus has teamed up with M1, a Singaporean operator. The Asian operator and Airbus will use telecom networks to simplify the geolocated positioning of the aircraft during aerial tests on the Singapore coast. The recordings are expected to help the two companies gain a better understanding of the limitations of the 5G standards for air mobility applications as well as future operations of urban unmanned aircraft systems. The two companies also hope that this test will provide the protocols for the safe adoption of 5G as a basic technology facilitating the operation and design of unmanned aircraft. Airbus and M1 plan to carry out connectivity tests for land areas in addition to the coastal tests. The companies hope that this approach that will allow them to take advantage of the growing demand for autonomous aircraft systems in other industries. Airbus will be providing their industrial expertise as well as a fleet of their planes and systems for testing to ensure that flight operations are in compliance with regulations and meet safety requirements.