British police will experiment with uncrewed aircraft as part of newdronetrials in the UK.
Britains aviation regulator has backed the project, which the National Police Air Service (NPAS) will lead.
The tests will focus on flights beyond the visual line of sight meaning the operators wont see their drones.
The policewill instead rely ontechfor navigation, control, and detection of other aircraft.
NPAS has high hopes for the approach.
The team envisions the drones joining a blended aircraft fleet.
NPAS has not yet revealed the intended use cases.
But police and crime commissioners have shared big plans for drones.
In November, commissioner Donna Jonesclaimedthat around a third of forces want uncrewed aircraft to replace helicopters.
Drones are much quicker, she said.
Theyre much more agile.
The new tests will scrutinise their autonomous capabilities.
A furtherfive projectswill also join the trials.
The biggest name among them is Amazon Prime Air, which will explore drone deliveries.
Our goal is to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality she said.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
