Beyond sight: Future of Beyond Visual Line of Sight drones in India

The birth of civil aviation
The history of civil aviation is intricately linked to military advancements, particularly evident during World War I. In the early 1900s, aviation was a nascent technology with limited applications. However, the war showcased aircraft's potential for reconnaissance, combat, and transportation. Following the conflict, nations began recognizing aviation's peacetime applications, culminating in the signing of the International Air Convention in 1919. This convention laid the foundation for modern civil aviation, emphasizing international cooperation to ensure safe, regulated air transport across borders. Consequently, civil aviation expanded rapidly, becoming a cornerstone of global transportation, commerce, and connection.

Evolution of civil aviation and drones
Today, we are witnessing a similar transition with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), particularly those capable of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. As UAV technology advances, drones are becoming increasingly sophisticated, boasting greater range, intelligence, endurance, and payload capacity.

Historically, aircraft were initially utilized for military purposes before being adapted for civilian use. Likewise, BVLOS drones have primarily served defense and military sectors for surveillance, logistics, and disaster management. A notable example is the Farman Company in France, which, in the 1920s, repurposed military planes to establish international passenger routes between cities like Paris, London, and Brussels. Today, we find ourselves at a similar juncture with BVLOS drones. While their military applications are well-established, the full potential of drones in civilian sectors hinges on evolving regulatory frameworks, much like the progression of aviation.

Present regulatory landscape in India
In India, the 2021 Drone Rules established a regulatory framework for UAV operations, streamlining processes by reducing required approvals and fees. The introduction of the Digital Sky platform has facilitated online registration and automated permissions for drone operations. However, current regulations from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) restrict all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations, regardless of weight category, to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). This limitation requires remote pilots or observers to maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the drone, significantly constraining operational range compared to BVLOS, which permits drones to be controlled beyond the pilot's visual range. Enabling BVLOS operations could unlock vast potential in sectors like logistics, agriculture, and disaster management.

Potential use cases across sectors
BVLOS drones hold transformative potential across various sectors, particularly logistics, healthcare, and disaster management:

Logistics
BVLOS drones can revolutionize e-commerce and quick commerce deliveries by providing faster, more efficient, and cost-effective services, particularly in rural and remote areas where infrastructure challenges complicate traditional delivery methods. India's e-commerce market, projected to reach $188 billion by 2025, stands to benefit significantly from BVLOS drones, which could reduce delivery times and operational costs. Notably, last-mile delivery costs account for 53% of total shipping expenses, often representing the most expensive aspect of logistics. BVLOS drones could significantly alleviate these costs, especially in regions with limited road access or traditional supply chains.

Healthcare
These drones can serve as a lifeline for remote or underserved communities by delivering essential medical supplies, including vaccines, blood, and medicines. Rwanda's successful use of BVLOS drones for rural blood deliveries exemplifies what can be achieved with the right regulatory frameworks, offering a glimpse into how India can benefit from similar initiatives.

Disaster management
BVLOS drones can provide real-time surveillance of affected areas, assessing damage and delivering critical supplies in regions rendered inaccessible by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, or cyclones. Given India's vulnerability to such calamities, BVLOS drones can play a crucial role in improving response times and resource deployment, ultimately saving lives and reducing relief costs.

A study by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation estimates that widespread drone adoption across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and logistics could contribute as much as $1.6 billion to India's GDP by 2030. The commercial potential of BVLOS drones to transform industries and enhance everyday life is immense and is just beginning to unfold.

The way forward
To facilitate this transformation, organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), established in 1944, have played a pivotal role in standardizing global aviation practices. By following the historical trajectory of civil aviation and building international frameworks for cooperation, BVLOS drones can become as integral to modern life as airplanes are today, revolutionizing industries, improving lives, and driving economic growth.

The future of BVLOS drones relies on robust regulations that foster technological advancement. While India's 2021 Drone Rules and the Digital Sky initiative represent positive steps forward, more work is needed to standardize drone regulations and ensure safe integration into the airspace. The forthcoming policy framework for Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) will be a key enabler and is eagerly anticipated in India.

In our upcoming article, we will explore how to establish UTM and BVLOS testing sites in India, advocating for a co-regulatory approach that engages both government and industry. The drone revolution is on the horizon, and the parallels to the early days of aviation are unmistakable. The journey towards a BVLOS-enabled future is not just necessary; it's inevitable.