Business & GA

A European market for civil unmanned air vehicles worth up to €1.2 billion ($1.45 billion) by 2015 is “on the brink of being realised”, says a new roadmap developed by the European Commission-funded UAVNET project.

The roadmap proposes the launching of a five-phase European civil UAV technology demonstration programme for new high-altitude and medium-altitude long-endurance, rotary-wing and mini systems over six years as part of the European strategic research agenda. Supporting technology development programmes would be spread across all 25 European Union member states.

“Within six years,” the roadmap says, “Europe can be a major influence in civil UAVs.” UAVNET is seeking formal adoption of the roadmap by the EC, potentially as part of the Seventh Framework technology plan.

PETER LA FRANCHI / LONDON