Gary Clayton is one of the founder members of the ASTRAEA Programme. His initial participation, via the UAVS Trade Association, was pivotal in one of the Programme’s first challenges – establishing the consortium of companies and government agencies that would eventually become ASTRAEA.
“We started back in 2004,” Gary remembered, “and it was a slow process because we had little precedent; different regions, different companies, both corporate and government funding, and a collaborative working environment where member trust had to be built from the ground up.”
Gary’s background in secure digital communications systems plus his UAVS experience gave him special insight into the value ASTRAEA could bring to UK industry by opening up the civil UAV market. Seven years ago, this wasn’t as obvious as it is today so Gary, and his founding colleagues, had their work cut out convincing corporate decision-makers to look ahead, consider the market potential and join the consortium. He recalls that the Civil UAS achievements had been previously dominated by Small UAV Systems designed and tested using a bottom up approach, with some other studies picking specific issues in isolation. The aim of the ASTRAEA group, however, was to create a systems level programme looking at the full gamut of issues from the top down and this was a difficult concept to convey at first. The question “How much flying will you do?” was ever present. In fact, it required constant resistance not to allow the old-approach pressures to derail the consortium’s holistic systems approach, necessary for any real progress into opening the national airspace to UAS.
With each partner in the consortium focussed on different aspects of the necessary research, and with cross-over links to all the other aspects, the collaboration between the partners would be a key factor in the success of the programme. The agreement between the partners on the technical aspects the different companies wanted to invest in, as well as meeting the overall ASTRAEA programme goals, would also be critical. Gary fondly remembers the often “interesting” early discussions between prospective partners. But compromises were forged, the final technological agreement was executed and the overall programme proposal was at last drafted.
It took two years of negotiation with industry and the government before ASTRAEA was launched at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2006. Against the background of the collapse of the Access 5 programme in the US there was rumour and counter rumour about a UK programme. When Lord Drayson, the Minister at the time, finally made the announcement it cleared the air with many organisations enquiring how they could join. He recalls that their level of interest often diminished sharply when they learned ASTRAEA was an investment rather than a revenue opportunity.
Today, ASTRAEA 2 has begun its three-year run and Gary is pleased with progress so far, especially the CAA’s increased interest and engagement in the research result. He is also pleased that these results have not only influenced the UK’s CAP722 but also the wider EUROCAE working group thinking, and helped generate informed policy-making across Europe. Moreover, as a member of the ASTRAEA Industry Executive (AIE) and Executive Steering Board, Gary’s in the perfect position to keep an eye on progress during the AIE’s weekly telephone conferences and quarterly meetings.
“Programmes like this need constant management,” he said, “especially now with the financial landscape still uncertain, deficit reduction measures being made across the public sector and difficult trading times being faced by industry. But with skilful management and nurturing, and a strong dedicated team, I have no doubt this important programme will stay on track and provide substantial benefit for UK Ltd.”
About Cassidian
Cassidian, an EADS Company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing lead system integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe.
Our portfolio ranges from air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems) and land and homeland security systems through intelligence and surveillance to cyber security and secure communications as well as test systems, services and support solutions.
In 2009, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees worldwide – achieved revenues of € 5.4 billion. It is the second largest division within the EADS Group.
Gary Clayton (right, foreground) attends an ASTRAEA Industry Executive meeting in Cambridge, 2007