In Japan, unmanned aircraft (UA) operations beyond visual lines, over people in urban city without visual observer begin by December 2022. This operation is called “Level 4” which is highest level in UA operations. We introduce topics of what Ministry of Economics, Trade and Industry (METI) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) will be presenting at ADW Hybrid on 30 March 2022.
New regulations for Level 4
In Japan, the Aviation Law was revised in June 2021, which enables UA operations at Level 4. The point of the amendment is to establish the system for UA certificate and operator's license, and to enable Level 4 UA operations under the permission of the government.
UTM development
NEDO developed a test type of UTM system with some companies. The UTM succeeded in managing 52 UAs in 13 areas across Japan at the same time in October 2021 as showed below. You can check details from the website.
Detect and Avoid technologies
The automatic collision avoidance test was succeeded in September 2021. UA (50 km/h) avoided manned helicopter (150 km/h) perfectly. You can see the video of the test from YouTube. ACSL Ltd., one of NEDO project members, will be presenting about these technologies.
Future plans
The Japanese government will start a new R&D project, which develop standards for assuring UA safety and evaluating performance and develop traffic management system for not only UA but also eVTOL based on our UTM technologies. Furthermore, the Japanese government is preparing for eVTOL operations at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. You can check more details on Japan activities in Advanced Air Mobility here.
NEDO & METI and ADW Hybrid
If you have interest on Japan UA policies, visit the NEDO session during ADW Hybrid Wednesday 30 March 12.30 CEST at the ADW Mainstage. For more information visit: https://www.amsterdamdroneweek.com/amsterdam-hybrid/
