Today, the Fucino space Centre hosted a major demonstration event focused on the future of advanced air mobility. The demo day, part of the European U-ELCOME project, showcased how drones can be safely and efficiently integrated into future airspace, delivering real benefits to society, from infrastructure monitoring to precision agriculture.
Throughout the day, multiple drones flew simultaneously over the Space Centre, simulating real-world operations. These flights were managed through advanced, already-operational coordination systems, capable of safely handling complex traffic and paving the way for widespread use of drones in service-oriented missions.
The demonstrations were part of the Italian cluster of the project, coordinated by ENAV. For the occasion, the sky above the Fucino space Centre was divided into two U-Space air volumes: one managed by D-Flight, a company owned by ENAV and Leonardo, and the other by the Spanish U-Space Service Provider ITG. Both service providers were connected to D-Flight’s Common Information Service Provider, ensuring interoperability between European operators in line with the goals of the U-ELCOME project.
As a certified USSP by ENAC, D-Flight provides advanced tools for drone operation management, including mission planning, real-time monitoring, remote identification, and geo-awareness services.
Telespazio participated in the event with a dual role: as an ENAC-certified drone operator and as provider of its proprietary T-DROMES digital platform, which enables mission planning, monitoring, and management. T-DROMES also ensures seamless communication with U-Space service providers, thanks to its hybrid satellite-terrestrial connectivity.
During the demo day, three operators from the Italian cluster — Telespazio, Techno Sky, and TopView — carried out drone-based simulations involving power line monitoring, photogrammetry and inspections, and precision agriculture activities.
Alongside project partners, the event was attended by representatives from the aviation sector, including ENAC, Eurocontrol, and EASA.
The demo day is part of the broader U-space European COMmon dEpLoyment (U-ELCOME) initiative: a SESAR 3 JU Digital Sky Demonstrator project coordinated by the Eurocontrol Innovation Hub, involving 51 partners across Italy, Spain, and France.