Drones & UAM

EUROPEAN UNION: UAS CATEGORIZATION AND CERTIFICATION

Within the European Union, drones are classified into three categories: Open Category, Specific Category, and Certified Category. Applus+ Laboratories provides comprehensive support for each of them, ensuring compliance with applicable requirements and regulations in each case. 

CE MARKING

At Applus+ Laboratories, we offer comprehensive certification services for CE marking, ensuring that the UAS meets all the strict technical and regulatory requirements applicable under European Union legislation.

SERVICES FOR OPEN CATEGORY DRONE MANUFACTURERS

To obtain class certification, both Open Category drones and C5 and C6 class drones must undergo a series of conformity tests conducted by an accredited laboratory. For C1, C2, and C3 class drones, it is mandatory for a Notified Body, such as Applus+ Laboratories, to participate in the evaluation.

SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURERS AND OPERATORS OF SPECIFIC CATEGORY DRONES

At Applus+ Laboratories, we provide support to both manufacturers and operators of drones who wish to market their UAS or conduct operations within the Specific Category. In this regard, we assist UAS operators in the preparation of operational declarations, Light UAS certificates, and operational authorizations, including all SAIL levels of SORA, as well as PDRA. For manufacturers, Applus+ offers support in the execution of certification campaigns for C5 and C6, UAS characterization, and declaration of technical safety objectives. 

SERVICES FOR CERTIFIED CATEGORY DRONE MANUFACTURERS

Certified Category aircraft, which often include eVTOL systems within the scope of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), follow certification processes similar to those of manned civil aviation. Regarding specific requirements for products in Europe, based on their characteristics and functionalities, manufacturers (OEMs) must reach an agreement with the regional regulatory body, in this case, EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). Similar processes may apply in other countries with their respective regulatory bodies, such as the FAA in the United States or the CAAC in China. 

UNITED STATES: TESTING AND CERTIFICATION

In the United States, all drone pilots or operators must comply with federal regulations, and the drone itself must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

For drone manufacturers, the main compliance requirement is to ensure that their drones are compatible with the National Airspace System (NAS), which includes the standard remote identification capability (Remote ID emission module).

From regulatory compliance to the preparation of technical reports, our experts can advise at every step of the process. We provide support to ensure that drone operations comply with federal administration requirements, thus contributing to safer and more responsible use.

The remote identification requirement (Remote ID) applies to almost all registered drones, with some exceptions*.

*Remote ID does not apply to drones operating within the visual line of sight of their pilot (VLOS) in FAA Recognized Identification Areas (FRIA). It is also not mandatory for drones with ADS-B Out or those intended for aeronautical research, regulatory compliance demonstration, or those with official administration authorization."

UAS CERTIFICATION AND TESTING: WHY CHOOSE APPLUS+ LABORATORIES?

Applus+ Laboratories has a network of multidisciplinary laboratories and certification bodies around the world, offering a complete UAS testing and certification service.

Thanks to our experience, capabilities, and full-scale facilities, we can test UAS during their different stages. This includes flight tests in open fields to material, structure, high-voltage system, and component testing in our laboratories.

Our role as a Notified Body for UAS certification under EU regulation 2019/945 and our multidisciplinary expertise in electricity, electronics, aerospace mechanics, and acoustics, as well as in cybersecurity, provides us with a key competitive advantage to test drones in any operational category.

With a strong presence in China and Europe, our experts are ready to help manufacturers and operators navigate the complex applicable regulations.