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SWISS DRONE BASE CAMP (SDBC)

We see a world where drones are everyday business,
unfolding plenty of new possibilities for companies, cities, communities, and people.

VALUE PROPOSITION

Swiss Drone Base Camp is the hub growing research, technology, aerospace, regulatory, and business know-how for communities and companies to explore, innovate and enable leading-edge drone applications and projects.

FOCUS AREA 1: WIDE AREA UAS TESTING

TEST BENCH AND METHODOLOGIES

PURPOSE

Our aim is to harness and enhance the infrastructure and services available at the Riviera Airport Drone Test Area, as well as neighboring flight areas, through proactive collaboration with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This collaboration is designed to facilitate the development and testing of EVLOS (Enhanced Visual Line Of Sight) and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) applications for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

  • Riviera Airport drone test areas
  • Additional outdoor testing facilities
  • Expertise and network of SDBC Members

KEY INITIATIVES

  • Provide support for Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) and Pre-defined Risk Assessment (PDRA) for typical missions in Lodrino
  • Conduct testing and demonstration of U-Space technologies, services, and operations
  • Facilitate access to UAS test areas
  • Testing and certification procedures and support

OUR OFFERING

  • Stakeholder involvement and coordination
  • Feasibility studies – Project Management
  • Testing and operational support

FOCUS AREA 2: COUNTER-UAS

TECHNOLOGIES AND TESTING

PURPOSE

Our goal is to provide practical and effective counter-drone solutions to civil authorities and enforcement agencies. We achieve this by coordinating technological innovation, regulatory development, and operational management.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

  • Expertise and network of SDBC Members
  • Riviera Airport drone test areas
  • Specialized research capabilities at USI/SUPSI and IDSIA

KEY INITIATIVES

  • Monitoring of UAS technology advancement
  • Mobilization of interdisciplinary teams and resources
  • Facilitation of R&D in key areas
  • Application testing in collaboration with key users

OUR OFFERING

  • Stakeholder involvement and coordination
  • Feasibility studies – Project Management
  • Testing and operational support

FOCUS AREA 3: SYSTEMS & SERVICES

DESIGN, INTEGRATION, AND OPERATIONS

PURPOSE

We aim to empower non-UAS companies, public entities, and communities to harness the potential of UAS and AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) in their daily operations, services, and daily life.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

  • Expertise and network of SDBC Members
  • Specialized research capabilities at USI/SUPSI and IDSIA
  • Business and innovation management expertise and platform

KEY INITIATIVES

  • Continuous monitoring of advancements in UAS/AAM applications and their deployment
  • Mobilization of interdisciplinary teams and resources
  • Facilitation of R&D efforts in critical areas and navigating regulatory frameworks

OUR OFFERING

  • Stakeholder involvement and coordination
  • Feasibility studies – Project Management
  • Offer assistance in business planning and fundraising to support sustainable UAS and AAM integration

LOCATION

DEDICATED AIRPORT AND FACILITIES

Swiss Drone Base Camp is headquartered in Lodrino, about 15 km from Bellinzona. We are based at the former military airport, now under the management of the municipality of Riviera, following authorization from the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) starting January 6, 2023.

Our operational area comprises two distinct sections:

  • Control Tower: This section, with rented space managed by Riviera Airport SA, houses the offices of Swiss Drone Base Camp and associated companies. It also offers rooms to rent for meetings and training sessions.
  • Airport runway: With a length of 773 meters and a width of 40 meters, our airport runway provides direct access for flight tests and training activities. Notably, there are no air traffic services on site, meaning that aircraft crews only transmit essential information to ensure smooth and safe operations.

Moreover, our strategic location places us in proximity to various aviation companies such as RUAG AG, Karen SA, Heli TV, EOS Helicopter, and Air Evolution LTD. The zone is still under development, which allows SDBC to take advantage of the interesting growth possibilities that lie ahead.

RESEARCH PARTNERS

At Swiss Drone Base Camp, we thrive on collaboration and synergies with academic institutions, serving as hubs for research and education. This collaboration grants us access to a vast pool of expertise across diverse fields.

Our potential scientific endeavors, exploring the realms of new drone technologies and applications, encompass:

Advanced Real-time Control and Sensing Systems,

Human-Robot Interaction,

Machine Learning,

Artificial Intelligence,

Visual Computing,

Swarm Robot and Drones' Management,

Drones' Control in Proximity to Humans,

Development of Drone Detection Systems,

High-Performance Materials and Components.

MEMBERS

The realm of UAS and their multifaceted applications is expansive. Within Swiss Drone Base Camp, our member companies are engaged in diverse sectors, including:

Consultancy in UAS and aviation sector

Drone service provider

Drone rental

Training and education

Research and development

IoT technologies

Defense and security

ACTIVITIES

SDBC members carry out several activities, including:

Aerial filming and photography services,

Surveillance,

Search and rescue, law enforcement support,

Customized consultancy for all aviation-related operations (such as Specific Operations Risk Assessment, SORA),

Various pilot training courses (both for civilians and professionals who want to use drones professionally),

Development and construction of drones according to customer requirements,

Development of technologies to implement IoT solutions,

Design and development of jamming systems and counter-drone solutions.

JOIN OUR NETWORK

At Swiss Drone Base Camp, we wholeheartedly endorse the power of networking among diverse companies, research and training centers, and institutions. This collaborative spirit bolsters cooperation and fosters the emergence of fresh projects and expertise.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of our dynamic network, we invite you to contact us. Applications are open!

APPLY NOW
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