An experimental legal regime for the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has been established in Innopolis, Republic of Tatarstan, for a period of three years, according to a Russian government resolution.
“The Government of the Russian Federation decides to establish an experimental legal regime in the sphere of digital innovations for the operation of unmanned aircraft systems in Innopolis (Tatarstan),” the document says.
The government also approved a programme defining the parameters of the experiment. One of the key aspects of this programme is the possibility of testing drones with a maximum take-off weight of up to 30 kg. It is envisaged to use a distributed network of drone ports and create a new transport service based on unmanned systems, which will complement the existing methods of aerial work and cargo delivery.
Once the pilot is launched and the appropriate authorisation for the use of unmanned systems is granted, the new legal regime will enable aerial photography. “The advantages associated with the promptness and high accuracy of the data obtained are highly valued when carrying out such work as surveying pipelines, power lines and other infrastructure facilities,” the annex to the government resolution explains.
The Innovation Centre in Kazan’s satellite city is a testing ground for advanced technologies in digitalisation, AI and unmanned aviation. The experimental legal regime in Innopolis will stimulate the growth of the unmanned systems industry and facilitate the introduction of digital technologies in a nascent new industry – the delivery of cargo and shipments using UAVs. This opens up new prospects for both business and scientific research in the field of unmanned aviation technologies.
