Indra tests an advanced anti-collision system for drones developed at the Galician Aerospace Hub, key for complex swarm operations

Indra has demonstrated the effectiveness of its new collision detection and avoidance system for unmanned aircraft, developed under the strategic program of the Galician Aerospace Hub, in which it works in a joint venture with Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía.

The company has completed a series of test flights with a multirotor UAV equipped with cameras and radar, which detected an Indra TARSIS-family UAV at distances of up to one kilometer, executing avoidance maneuvers optimally.

During the exercises, typical flight profiles were recreated, and approaches were made with different trajectories, altitudes, and speeds. This verified the system’s performance in scenarios typical of a UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) environment, from low-altitude flights up to 2,000 meters.

This detection and avoidance capability is especially relevant for complex operations, such as those involving drone swarms, and for the safe integration of UAVs into airspaces shared with manned or unmanned aircraft.

Indra’s system stands out for its ability to fuse information from multiple onboard cameras, covering 360 degrees and allowing discrimination of small or distant targets.

These data are complemented by those from the electronically steered radar, essential in low-visibility conditions. In addition, the system has high onboard processing capacity, enabling advanced algorithms that optimize decision-making.

After successfully completing tests at the Aerohíspalis airfield (Seville), the project developed by Indra together with Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía takes a decisive step forward. Both companies are working within it on drone-based systems for rescue operations, detection of marine spills, and forest fire extinguishing.

To this end, they are developing VTOL-type UAS platforms, offering great operational flexibility and equipped with hybrid propulsion (electric and combustion) to achieve extended autonomy. These drones will be able to carry payloads of up to 20 kilograms, thus meeting the growing demand for medium-sized UAVs in the market.