Altitude Angel has been awarded a United States patent for its ground-based detect and avoid (DAA) technology, ARROW, the foundation behind the UK’s first drone superhighway*.
The ARROW system enables uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to safely operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) without the need for onboard sensors or visual observers. Instead, ARROW uses a network of strategically positioned ground-based sensors, including radio frequency detectors and high-resolution cameras. The data collected is then ‘fused’ through Altitude Angel’s air traffic management software to provide a high-resolution, real-time airspace picture.
The technology enables UAS to integrate into shared airspace with traditional aircraft, and is designed to provide automated air traffic control to commercial drones who want to use the service, independent of other airspace users.
The US patent comes as President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order directing the Federal Aviation Administration to enable routine BVLOS operations. It also strengthens Altitude Angel’s global IP portfolio, which includes two UK patents awarded in 2020 – for ARROW, and Conflict Resolution Service – Tactical, and enables Altitude Angel to expand the use of ARROW internationally by enabling trusted, regional partners to build their own infrastructure on which local drone economies can be developed.
*Project Skyway, part of Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge, concluded in January 2025 and was led by Altitude Angel in collaboration with BT and other key partners. The project demonstrated how ARROW can deliver Separation-as-a-Service for multiple drone operations (and operators) without segregating airspace or requiring costly onboard equipment.
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