A-techSYN Secures €2.5M Contract for UAS Operations in Spain
In a significant development for the Irish drone sector, A-techSYN, a leading developer and manufacturer of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in Ireland, has been awarded the contract for the EU tender at the PARQUE TECNOLÓGICO DE FUERTEVENTURA SAMP (PTFSA). This contract involves the deployment of low and medium altitude unmanned platforms equipped with onboard sensors and real-time data transmission to the ISSEC center as part of the RETECH4CAN project.
A-techSYN has partnered with Aerial Works SL, a Spanish firm renowned for its expertise in complex UAS operations, operational approvals, and pilot training globally. Aerial Works will focus on coordinating activities and training remote pilots throughout the project.
Project Overview and Operations
The contract outlines that A-techSYN will undertake five distinct BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations, projecting a total flight duration of 1,500 to 2,000 hours. Operations will utilize the CGT50 VTOL and CTOL aircraft, equipped with various payloads including gimbals, hyperspectral cameras, and LIDAR systems. The STRATAPORT at PTFSA in Fuertoventura will serve as the operational base, with all data transmitted in real-time to the GIC center.
Gokhan Celik, CEO of A-techSYN, remarked, “Over the past decade, we have been at the forefront of integrating specific-category UAS, driven by a growing necessity for these aircraft despite the scarcity of Proofs of Concept (POCs).” He also highlighted the center’s role in exploring High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) and UAS applications focused on forestry protection.
Implementation and Future Plans
According to Ángel Diego Del Real Sánchez, the accountable manager of the ATAW partnership, acquiring permissions to operate in Fuerteventura is the immediate priority. “We have devised a step-by-step plan and have already initiated the documentation for our first application,” he stated.
Umit Gurkan, the project coordinator for ATAW, explained, “We will commence operations utilizing our Irish flight teams while concurrently training local teams in Fuerteventura. This approach ensures operational continuity and paves the way for potential collaborations with local authorities and emergency services going forward.”
Support and Resource Allocation
Celik expressed gratitude towards the IAA’s UAS Division and AirNav for their support, stating previous authorizations in Ireland significantly contributed to A-techSYN being chosen for the tender.
The multi-phase project necessitates deploying a fleet of six UAVs along with extra UAVs for sensor integration. The planned flight schedule includes 445 flight blocks, distributed as necessary, ensuring a total flight requirement of 1,500 to 2,000 hours within the 14-month project span.
This comprehensive operation will require stringent planning, advanced technical infrastructure, and expert personnel coordination to sustain efficient flight operations, ensuring a continuous flow of data and optimizing mission management.
Conclusion
A-techSYN’s successful bid marks a pivotal moment in their journey, demonstrating their commitment to innovation, safety, and expanding operational capabilities within the drone industry.
