#Canada #Calgary #Sparrowhawk #Canadian UAVs #BVLOS

Canadian UAVs' Sparrowhawk™ Radar Achieves Major Certification

Introduction
In a significant stride for the drone industry, Canadian UAVs (CUAVs) announced that its Sparrowhawk™ ground-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) radar has successfully obtained a Pre-Validated Declaration (PVD) from Transport Canada. This certification comes after a decade of rigorous development and an impressive 50,000 operational hours. The Sparrowhawk™ radar stands as a benchmark for conducting Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations safely and efficiently.

The Importance of Sparrowhawk™ Radar

For operators conducting BVLOS missions, this certification facilitates a more seamless application process. Rather than starting from square one to prove their compliance with DAA regulations, operators can now of reference CUAVs’ established evidence of compliance. This shift significantly expands the potential for BVLOS operations in more crowded and complicated airspaces.

Meeting Regulatory Standards

The Sparrowhawk™ has been evaluated against the Canadian Air Regulations (CARs) Standard 922, specifically sections 922.10, which focus on Detect, Alert, and Avoid Systems, and 922.12, which pertains to the Demonstrated Environmental Envelope. This achievement makes it the sole configurable DAA element included on Transport Canada’s published eligibility list, thereby enhancing its credibility and regulatory acceptance. It also appears as a configurable option under the standard Safety Assurance Declaration (SAD) equipment list.

Notably, the distinction between PVD and SAD is critical. The SAD process involves a manufacturer declaring compliance that may later undergo audit by Transport Canada. The PVD requires that Transport Canada not only review but also formally accept the manufacturer's Means of Compliance before any declaration is issued.

A Decade of Preparation

Sean Greenwood, CEO of Canadian UAVs, expressed his excitement stating, "This milestone was our objective for the past ten years, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Transport Canada’s leadership in the regulation of detect-and-avoid systems. Canada is setting the global standard for safe BVLOS operations."

The ground-based nature of the Sparrowhawk™ radar affords unprecedented flexibility since it does not require a specific RPAS platform to operate. This allows operators to integrate the system with various aircraft, depending on the mission's requirements. Such adaptability makes the Sparrowhawk™ relevant across multiple sectors, including defense, critical infrastructure, public safety, and various industries.

Thorough Assessment Process

Mahmoud Abdelrahman, Engineering Program Manager at CUAVs, highlighted that the PVD process is comprehensive and meticulous. "The review examines each component of the system against defined criteria. Our 50,000 operational hours allowed us to prove not only that Sparrowhawk™ functions effectively but that our deployment processes are mature and replicable."

Canada’s component-level review framework, one of the few globally that assesses individual technologies as opposed to endorsing entire missions, establishes the Sparrowhawk™ PVD as a substantial reference point internationally. As other nations strive to develop their BVLOS frameworks, the certification awarded by Transport Canada provides a credible global standard.

About Canadian UAVs

Canadian UAVs is a leader in the drone industry, holding regulatory authorizations from both Transport Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to execute Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. The Sparrowhawk™ radar is a versatile, ground-based solution that integrates radar, computer vision, and ADS-B technologies. It aims to create a safe airspace picture for BVLOS drone operations, benefiting industries such as defense, energy, agriculture, surveying, logistics, mining, critical infrastructure, and public safety across North America and Europe.

In conclusion, the achievement of a Pre-Validated Declaration for the Sparrowhawk™ radar marks a pivotal moment for Canadian UAVs and sets a benchmark for the future of drone operations in increasingly complex airspace environments.