Raytheon and AirMap have announced that they will collaborate on future projects to safely integrate UAS into the national airspace system, and “unlock the positive economic and social benefits of expanded commercial drone operations.”

The agreement combines the expertise of each company. Air traffic controllers across the U.S. use Raytheon's Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System (STARS) to provide safe and efficient aircraft spacing and sequencing guidance for more than 40,000 departing and arriving aircraft daily at both civilian and military airports.

Meanwhile, AirMap is the leading global provider of airspace intelligence for UAS operations with more than 250,000 registered users. Last year, the majority of U.S. registered commercial UAS pilots used AirMap to request more than 45,000 automated authorizations to fly in controlled airspace.

“AirMap is ushering in a new era in drone aviation,” says Matt Gilligan, vice president of Raytheon's Intelligence, Information and Services business.

“Drones must safely operate in an already complex ecosystem, which is where our experience matters.”

To help ensure overall safety of the airspace, Raytheon and AirMap are working toward an integrated demonstration that will showcase how AirMap's UAS traffic management platform can increase air traffic controllers' awareness of potential conflict between UAS and manned aircraft near airports.

“Raytheon technology has helped safely and effectively manage airspace in the most complex, dense controlled airspace in the world for decades,” says Ben Marcus, AirMap co-founder and chairman.

“They are an ideal partner to join AirMap on the path toward enabling safe, efficient, and scalable drone operations in U.S. low-altitude airspace between 0 and 400 feet.”