KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Over 80% of industry professionals have supported the use of drones being implemented into their current sector and 43% have reported that they feel drones are not being fully embraced or reached their full potential. DroneX is committed to providing a platform for the industry to accelerate drone adoption and with the keynote speakers setting the precedent for the event, you will gain opportunity to hear from experts that are sharing case studies into UAVs implementation across multiple sectors!

Darryl Abelscroft Department for Transport

Future of Flight: A Shared Vision Between UK Government and Industry

Through the Future of Flight Industry Group (FFIG), Government and Industry are codesigning an action plan to realise a shared vision for the future of the UAS and AAM sectors in the UK. Darryl will set out the work here to date, the vision and outcomes the group are looking to deliver, and how you can get involved.

Weds 27th Sept 11.45AM

KEYNOTE THEATRE 2

Darryl leads the Department for Transport’s Future of Aviation Division, responsible for the department’s role in the UK space strategy and the development of the Future of Flight programme. Since being in the role he has overseen the establishment of the Future of Flight Industry Group, the first licences consented for a spaceport and launch activities, and the first orbital launch attempt from UK shores.

Unlocking the Future of Aviation

As uncrewed aircraft revolutionize our skies, effective airspace management becomes ever more crucial. Martin Rolfe, NATS CEO, shares how NATS is developing innovative solutions to ensure seamless integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft, embracing future technology-enabled systems, and shaping the future of airspace services.

Tues 26th Sept 11.45AM

KEYNOTE THEATRE 2

Phil Hanson Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)

Maritime and Coastguard Agency Aviation Evolution

Discuss the evolution of Coastguard aviation and how that led the MCA to explore BVLOS drone use to support time critical missions, to increase search efficiency and effectiveness, whilst reducing the risk to the rescuers

Tues 26th Sept 12:30PM

KEYNOTE THEATRE 2

Tues 26th Sept 12:30PM

KEYNOTE THEATRE 2

Craig Palmer

British Army

Generating Coherence of Army Open and Specified Class RPAS

RPAS are revolutionising the battlefield and the British Army is fielding Open and Specified class RPAS at scale and pace. Their operation is increasingly an all-arms sport and the Army is generating an appropriate governance and assurance regime, underpinned by cultural growth, to enable their safe and effective operation.

Craig Palmer has nearly 20 years of RPAS experience with the British Army. He commands the recently created Surveillance Group and is the Aviation Delivery Duty Holder (DDH) for Army Specified Class 2 systems. He previously commanded an RPAS Regiment on operations in Afghanistan and was the first Programme Manager for the WATCHKEEPER system, bringing it in to service and deploying it on operations.

Karen Bell & Hazel Dempsey NHS Grampian

CAELUS:

A Drone Network to Support Healthcare Delivery in Scotland

The Seminar will present the approach adopted in delivering a Once for Scotland National Innovation Project focusing on the challenges and benefits this approach brings to the successful delivery of introducing novel technology into a healthcare setting.

Weds 27th Sept 11.00AM

KEYNOTE THEATRE 2

The CAELUS (Care & Equity – Healthcare Logistics Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Scotland) project collaborating with industry consortium partners as part of a Once for Scotland NHS innovation approach to explore UAS as a technology that can transform patient care delivery in the 21st Century.

Mark Wharry

Keeping Oversight Proportional

Uk Caa

UK UAS Regulations in the Specific category are deliberately broad and allow for wide-ranging applications. When designing an oversight regime, maintaining proportionality while still ensuring that safety objectives are met is the regulator’s primary challenge. How can proportionality be maintained with aircraft from under 250g to over 10 tonnes, and with hundreds of authorisations issued annually?

Mark Wharry has managed RPAS safety and oversight for the UK CAA since 2020, responsible for an expanding Inspectorate who handle all complex RPAS applications and external oversight activities for the UK’s UAS Operators. Originally an RAF fast-jet pilot and instructor, he took his combat air experience to the UK’s growing RPAS force and became an MQ-9 Reaper pilot, instructor, and examiner.

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Tues 26th Sept 2.00PM

KEYNOTE THEATRE 2