GNSS joins forces with 5G for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) navigation. Please Register for the Final Presentation Webinar EL2-105 “5G Drone Positioning"

The goal of the NAVISP EL2-105 5G Drone Positioning activity was to develop a proof-of-concept of an assured hybrid 5G/GNSS-based positioning system for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and demonstrate the potential of 5G technology to provide future complementary or backup PNT solutions for UAV. The project was part of a NAVISP Thematic Window devoted to demonstrate the capabilities of new 5G cellular networks to support positioning and timing applications to complement satellite navigation.

UAVs are seen as a key technology contribution to the increased industrial and societal efficiencies over the coming two decades across multiple markets. As a result, both public sector and government organisations look to push the boundaries of drone limitations, including BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line Of Sight) scope. Urban areas such as cities and towns suffer from degraded GNSS due to challenging satellite visibility and signal multipath. For UAVs to operate effectively and safely it will require a PNT service with availability, continuity, integrity and accuracy. The evolution to a hybrid 5G/GNSS positioning system will enable safe UAV BVLOS navigation and open up new UAV applications within Europe and internationally.

The Proof-of-Concept successfully demonstrated the generation of 5G observables and hybrid 5G/GNSS positioning with independent integrity checks and associated protection levels, using an opportunistic approach and relying on 5G signals from several Mobile Network Operators (MNO). Where sufficient signal strength and sufficiently accurate knowledge about the cell towers’ location is available, the technology offers a potential solution to urban air mobility challenges. The results of this activity therefore underlined the importance of solving the 5G almanac problem for providing accurate PNT solutions using 5G signals. For meeting the needs of UAV users (as well as other terrestrial users) precise surveying the 5G transmitter sites and synchronisation between the transmitters and/or MNO will be required.

The project was carried out in the frame of NAVISP Element 2, which is devoted to supporting competitiveness of European industries.

Please check the Agenda and register for the event!