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SWISS DRONE BASE CAMP (SDBC)

We see a world where drones are everyday business,
unfolding plenty of new possibilities for companies, cities, communities, and people.

VALUE PROPOSITION

Swiss Drone Base Camp is the hub growing research, technology, aerospace, regulatory, and business know-how for communities and companies to explore, innovate and enable leading-edge drone applications and projects.

FOCUS AREA 1: WIDE AREA UAS TESTING

TEST BENCH AND METHODOLOGIES

PURPOSE

Our aim is to harness and enhance the infrastructure and services available at the Riviera Airport Drone Test Area, as well as neighboring flight areas, through proactive collaboration with FOCA and EASA. This collaboration is designed to facilitate the development and testing of eVLOS and BVLOS applications for UAS.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Riviera Airport Drone Test Areas
Additional outdoor testing facilities
Expertise and network of SDBC Members

KEY INITIATIVES

Provide support for SORA and PDRA for typical missions in Lodrino
Conduct testing and demonstration of U-Space technologies, services, and operations
Facilitate access to UAS test areas
Testing and certification procedures and support

OUR OFFERINGS

Stakeholder Involvement and Coordination
Feasibility Studies – Project Management
Testing and Operational Support

FOCUS AREA 2: COUNTER-UAS

TECHNOLOGIES AND TESTING

PURPOSE

Our goal is to provide practical and effective counter-drone solutions to civil authorities and enforcement agencies. We achieve this by coordinating technological innovation, regulatory development, and operational management.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Expertise and network of SDBC Members
Riviera Airport Drone Test Areas
Specialized research capabilities at USI/SUPSI and IDSIA

KEY INITIATIVES

Monitoring of UAS technology advancement
Mobilization of interdisciplinary teams and resources
Facilitation of R&D in key areas
Application testing in collaboration with key users

OUR OFFERING

Engage stakeholders and foster coordination among them
Conduct feasibility studies and manage projects effectively
Provide testing support and operational assistance throughout the process

FOCUS AREA 3: SYSTEMS & SERVICES

DESIGN, INTEGRATION, AND OPERATIONS

PURPOSE

We aim to empower non-UAS companies, public entities, and communities to harness the potential of UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) in their daily operations, services, and daily life.

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Expertise and network of SDBC Members
Specific research capabilities at USI/SUPSI and IDSIA
Business and innovation management expertise and platform

KEY INITIATIVES

Continuous monitoring of advancements in UAS/AAM applications and their deployment
Mobilization of interdisciplinary teams and resources
Facilitation of research and development efforts in critical areas and navigating regulatory frameworks

OUR OFFERING

Engage stakeholders and facilitate collaboration among them
Provide feasibility assessments and effective project management
Offer assistance in business planning and fundraising to support sustainable UAS and AAM integration

LOCATION

DEDICATED AIRPORT AND FACILITIES

Swiss Drone Base Camp is headquartered in Lodrino, about 15 km from Bellinzona. We are based at the former military airport, now under the management of the municipality of Riviera, following authorization from the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA) starting January 6, 2023.

Our operational area comprises two distinct sections:

  • Control Tower: This section, with rented space managed by Riviera Airport SA, houses the offices of Swiss Drone Base Camp and associated companies. It also offers rooms to rent for meetings and training sessions.
  • Airport runway: With a length of 773 meters and a width of 40 meters, our airport runway provides direct access for flight tests and training activities. Notably, there are no air traffic services on site, meaning that aircraft crews only transmit essential information to ensure smooth and safe operations.

Moreover, our strategic location places us in proximity to various aviation companies such as RUAG AG, Karen SA, Heli TV, EOS Helicopter, and Air Evolution LTD. The zone is still under development, which allows SDBC to take advantage of the interesting growth possibilities that lie ahead.

RESEARCH PARTNERS

At Swiss Drone Base Camp, we thrive on collaboration and synergies with academic institutions, serving as hubs for research and education. This collaboration grants us access to a vast pool of expertise across diverse fields.

Our potential scientific endeavors, exploring the realms of new drone technologies and applications, encompass:

Advanced Real-time Control and Sensing Systems,

Human-Robot Interaction,

Machine Learning,

Artificial Intelligence,

Visual Computing,

Swarm Robot and Drones' Management,

Drones' Control in Proximity to Humans,

Development of Drone Detection Systems,

High-Performance Materials and Components.

MEMBERS

The realm of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and their multifaceted applications is expansive. Within Swiss Drone Base Camp, our member companies are engaged in diverse sectors, including:

Consultancy in UAS and aviation sector

Drone service provider

Drone rental

Training and education

Research and development

IoT technologies

Defense and security

ACTIVITIES

SDBC members carry out several activities, including:

Aerial filming and photography services,

Surveillance,

Search and rescue, law enforcement support,

Customized consultancy for all aviation-related operations (such as Specific Operations Risk Assessment, SORA),

Various pilot training courses (both for civilians and professionals who want to use drones professionally),

Development and construction of drones according to customer requirements,

Development of technologies to implement IoT solutions,

Design and development of jamming systems and counter-drone solutions.

JOIN OUR NETWORK

At Swiss Drone Base Camp, we wholeheartedly endorse the power of networking among diverse companies, research and training centers, and institutions. This collaborative spirit bolsters cooperation and fosters the emergence of fresh projects and expertise.

If you’re interested in becoming a part of our dynamic network, we invite you to contact us. Applications are open!

APPLY NOW
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