Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems to reduce collision risk in UK skies

Defence

BAE Systems to reduce collision risk in UK skies

BAE Systems has unveiled details of a unique system developed by its engineers that reduces the risk of collision in uncontrolled airspace throughout UK skies.

The Centralised Aviation Data Service (CADS) provides visibility of notified hazards and awareness of the intentions of other CADS users, helping military pilots plan routes through uncontrolled UK airspace.

The system allows pilots to plan night and low altitude flights and is also available to a number of civilian users such as air ambulances. 

Advertisement
Advanced Engineering RT

A total of 31,000 potential flight path clashes were identified by the system during a three month period last year and BAE Systems recently received a contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to continue to provide this innovative, secure flight path de-confliction service.

The use of CADS has continued to grow since it first entered service and today it is mandated by the MoD for all military flights below 2,000 feet. The system typically logs around 300 sorties each day and it is frequently used in flights that are well above the MoD’s mandated height threshold.

Adam Morgan, Head of Software and Services, Defence Information, BAE Systems, said: “When the system was first introduced it provided a step change in the way in which pilots assessed hazards and plotted flight paths below 2,000 feet. The CADS system gives pilots fast, accurate information helping to navigate a safer path through the UK’s increasingly congested airspace.

“Through our work to support the Royal Air Force, Army Air Corps and the Fleet Air Arm, we have made further investments in the system.”

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation RT

The CADS system works by using a series of algorithms to evaluate the path of a pilot’s journey based on the size, weight and speed of their aircraft across a variety of UK regions, aircraft types and air stations via a highly-encrypted secure system.

The CADS system offers pilots a significant improvement on the previous traditional methods of plotting a flight. 

Historically, low-flying pilots would communicate via phone, fax or email to check their flight paths against others, or book into the low level flying system via telephone. This innovative new system has been patent protected by BAE Systems in a range of key markets around the world and is patent pending in Europe.

 

Advertisement
Advanced Navigation LB 1
NATO DIANA expands network

Defence

NATO DIANA expands network

18 March 2024

NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) is significantly expanding its transatlantic network of accelerator sites and test centres - doubling in size to more than 200 affiliated sites - which includes five additional UK test centres.

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

Defence

DE&S partners with McLaren Racing to drive innovation

18 March 2024

DE&S’ Future Capability Innovation team will collaborate with McLaren Racing to apply motorsport innovation, insights and a high-performance mindset into projects across DE&S and the wider MoD.

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

Defence

DE&S procures 14 extended-range Chinooks

18 March 2024

The UK’s heavy-lift helicopter capability will be bolstered by the purchase by DE&S of 14 extended-range Chinooks H-47(ER), which will pump an estimated £151 million into the economy.

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

Defence

BAE Systems to continue US Navy MDC5ISR support

18 March 2024

The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a contract worth approximately $86 million to continue supporting its Mobile Deployable Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat Systems, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (MDC5ISR) programmes.

Advertisement
Farsound RT 2
Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

Defence

Rolls-Royce to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow

14 March 2024

Rolls-Royce Submarines have announced plans to open new offices in Cardiff and Glasgow to attract the best talent and meet growth in demand from the Royal Navy and the recent AUKUS announcement.

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

Defence Events

ODU to showcase AMC range at DPRTE 2024

14 March 2024

ODU will be showcasing their latest military connector technology solutions at DPRTE - being held 27th March 2024 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre - including their Advanced Military Connector (AMC) range.

Advertisement
Farsound RT Brain