The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has launched one of the UK’s most ambitious trials of uncrewed aircraft in support of frontline policing.

In this episode of Altitude, we speak to the team as they prepare for a bold new era - testing high-endurance, uncrewed aircraft capable of flying beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) in real operational scenarios.

From the control rooms at NATS to the runways of NPAS’ South West base, this episode explores how a blended fleet of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and uncrewed systems could transform police air support. We’ll hear how traditional flying and policing expertise is being paired with advanced mission tech aboard next-gen drones to help one day save lives and stop crime.

We also hear from the UK Civil Aviation Authority on how the NPAS trial fits into a wider strategy to enable BVLOS drone operations in the UK, why sandbox projects like this one are enabling safe innovation in our skies, and what it will take to make drone policing a reality.

You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we invited three amazing aerospace engineers to share their stories.

Josna Joies from NATS talks surveillance systems - vital to our work keeping the skies safe - and how she was inspired by astronaut and aerospace engineer, Kalpana Chawla.

Yvette Lawrenson takes us behind the scenes at Windracers and their amazing uncrewed aerial vehicle, the Ultra, and explains why the washing machine is engineering's greatest innovation.

Dr Fiona Cayzer of BAE Systems talks about aircraft design and what it takes to provide technical leadership to some of the UK's biggest defence programmes, from Nimrod to the Typhoon.

You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero

Aviation is at a crossroads.

On one side is the familiarity of legacy systems, including decades-old air traffic control infrastructure and manual ground operations. On the other is the promise of digital transformation: smarter flight management, real-time operational insights, and seamless passenger experiences driven by advanced technologies. With many organisations currently caught in the middle, the challenge is to know where to start.

In this month’s Altitude, we’re joined by three people who know.

Marco Rueckert is Searidge Technologies’ Chief Technology Officer. He shares insights into the pioneering work Searidge is doing around the world, working with airports, airlines and ANSPS to harness the power of data to improve operational outcomes. That includes in Hong Kong, where Michelle Ho was the Manager of Airfield Digital Transformation for the Airport Authority.

Hong Kong’s revolutionary embrace of technology has helped set a benchmark for other airports around the world. Michelle shares her experience in deploying the airport’s award-winning Digital Apron and Tower Management System, and working in its state-of-the-art Integrated Airport Centre.

Andy Taylor, Chief Solutions Officer at NATS, will explore what’s happening in the UK, with both Manchester and Farnborough airports set to introduce ‘hybrid towers’ to enhance their operations, while also explaining how NATS and Searidge are exploring the use of AI at Heathrow to improve operational resilience.

You can also watch an on demand version of the livestream on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NatsAero