Platforms and Air Systems

Conventional Aviation

Osprey is at the cutting edge of deploying the very latest concepts and technologies for civil and military customers in the fields of airports, systems, airspace, manned and unmanned air platforms, space and environment.  However, it is equally important to challenge the applicability and suitability of such concepts to ensure they are truly aligned to our customers’ requirements.

We are not seduced by the latest technology or market trends.  Frequently, in whole or part, our solutions include conventional concepts.  This may be because it is the most effective technical solution, it better meets our clients’ commercial or environmental constraints, or they are deployed as a form of safety mitigation or resilience.

Across Instrument Flight Procedure Design, Airports and Airspace, Air Traffic Management Systems or Platforms and Air Systems, our highly experienced staff are able to offer a unique depth of understanding and blend of services in conventional aviation.  However, we also have the technical confidence and competence to combine these with emerging concepts to deliver the most effective, efficient and appropriate solutions to our clients.

UAS & C-UAS

The number of Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) in use and their capabilities is growing rapidly; from aerial filming, parcel delivery, agricultural survey, emergency response, defence, rail line and wind turbine inspections.

The ultimate aim is to safely integrate UAS into the total aviation system without any increased hazard to other airspace users whilst providing protection against UAS misuse.  In achieving this objective an incremental approach must be taken whilst remaining agile to any regulatory or standards development in this fast moving environment.

Despite the proliferation of Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) systems there is now a real ambition to push the technology and regulatory boundaries to operate in a Beyond VLOS (BVLOS) environment and in more automated ways.  Societal and safety concerns & risks need to be completely understood and managed in a controlled manner.

Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence

RADAR IN THE TOWER

As airport operators seek to develop operational efficiencies, they do so with the understanding that they must not undermine safety. One such efficiency is the introduction of Radar in the Tower (RiTT) procedures, once considered off-limits but now becoming common practice in the civil domain with many UK airports now using this capability.

RiTT allows, through defined procedures and the associated safety assurance, radar vectoring from the Visual Control Room (VCR) using a correctly configured surveillance display. Whilst RiTT primarily enhances safety, the ability to combine approach control surveillance and aerodrome control  services also provides the opportunity to augment operational resilience, as well as acheive wider airport demands for efficiency.

With demonstrable experience in delivering approved RiTT procedures, with the associated Human Factor (HF) Assessment and safety assurance, Osprey can work with airport staff and stakeholders to develop their RiTT capability through:

• Project initiation, including defining the scope and programme objectives, developing the safety programme and identifying the required analysis.
• Developing the necessary Safety Assurance Documentation in line with airport requirmeents, to present and satisfy the RiTT Safety Argument.
• Conducting HF analysis. A review of the workload data and situational awareness information sets the baseline for the programme, which can then be compared with experience garnered operating RiTT in the ‘trial’ environment.
• Conducting an ergonomics assessment, to ensure the VCR environment supports the combined service under RiTT procedures.
• RiTT Training. Osprey will provide staff with information/training on the aspects of human performance and visual scanning techniques that may be impacted with the introduction of RiTT.

DIGITAL TOWER

The use of digital technology has increased exponentially in the last few years with operational deployments now providing a regulatory approved service at locations in the UK and around the world, with many more in the pipeline.  Osprey can support clients in development of a Digital Solution for new or existing operational environments, which includes either, or both, aerodrome and surveillance control.

The delivery of digital technology may be new and complex, but the application of a tried and tested best-practice systems engineering approach, means its deployment need not be daunting.  Osprey specialises in support to the full system lifecycle, concept to disposal.  From the development of a concept, associated feasibility and costed Business Case, through the specification of Operational, User, System and Process requirements, to the delivery of assured and assessed fit-for-purpose solutions, Osprey System Engineers and Programmes Managers can support a cost effective delivery of modern technology.

Osprey has significant experience in the design and specification of modern communication, navigation and surveillance systems, including the creation of remote digital tower infrastructure and Centre operations.  We have demonstrable experience in complex system design to meet a defined operational need, as well as the specification of equipment and facilities to deliver an assured service.  Pivotal to entry into operational service is the safety argument, where Osprey specialises in first-of-type implementations, such as our support to the Royal Navy for their Remote Tower solution at RNAS Predannack.

Advanced Air Mobility

The use of digital technology has increased exponentially in the last few years with operational deployments now providing a regulatory approved service at locations in the UK and around the world.  As we move to a more digital and connected world, existing operations and services will both benefit from the technology, but it also provides additional complexity.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning is also an area of current and future growth across all sectors. AI and Machine Learning will create huge opportunities in the way current civil and military capabilities are realised but will also present huge challenges from a regulatory and safety critical perspective.

Osprey can support clients in development of a Digital Solutions for new or existing operational environments, which includes, aerodrome, surveillance control and platforms.

Sustainable Aviation

Sustainable Aviation is a broad term which covers the entire aviation sector but is ultimately about the reduction of carbon emissions to Net Zero by 2050. UK aviation announced decarbonisation targets of at least 15% by 2030 and 40% by 2040, having reaffirmed their commitment to net-zero by 2050. The RAF have stated their target as being Carbon Net Zero by 2040.

Ultimately a holistic approach to decarbonisation will need to be applied by the entire aviation sector if targets are going to be achieved. The Sustainable Aviation pillars as shown below shows the areas in which technology and investment will be required in order to achieve the ambitious targets set.