Drosera SORA Risk Analysis Software

Description

 DROSERA: A Comprehensive Risk Assessment Tool for Drone Operators Developed by ONERA

The National Office for Aerospace Studies and Research (ONERA) has launched DROSERA, a state-of-the-art software solution aimed at helping drone operators plan and conduct safer missions. Developed in collaboration with ALTAMETRIS (SNCF RESEAU) and RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité), DROSERA was part of the ARDAM project (Drone Risk Analysis for Asset Management). This tool was designed with input from the French Civil Aviation Safety Directorate (DGAC/DSAC), making it a comprehensive solution for managing drone mission risks.

 Objective Behind DROSERA

The primary goal of developing DROSERA is to assist drone operators in conducting Specific Operations Risk Assessments (SORA), particularly for missions that go beyond predefined national or European scenarios. The software simplifies the risk assessment process by providing automated, detailed analysis, enabling operators to ensure compliance with safety regulations while improving efficiency.

 Understanding SORA, Air Risk Class, and Ground Risk Class

SORA is a risk assessment framework focusing on two major risk categories:

- Air Risk Class (ARC): Assesses the potential risks posed to other airspace users during the drone’s flight.

- Ground Risk Class (GRC): Evaluates the risk of harm to people, property, and infrastructure on the ground.

DROSERA automates the calculation of both ARC and GRC, helping operators ensure that their missions adhere to safety standards and minimizing risks to third parties.

 The Role of Population Density in SORA

Population density plays a critical role in the Ground Risk Class (GRC) calculation. Areas with higher population density present a greater risk in the event of a drone malfunction or crash. DROSERA incorporates models that analyze population density, environmental factors, and real-time data, enabling precise risk assessments for any operational area.

 Techniques, Technologies, and Methods Deployed in DROSERA

DROSERA leverages advanced probability calculation models to assess risks associated with drone missions. These models help drone operators with:

- Mission Preparation: Identifying and quantifying potential risks before the flight.

- Verification and Decision-Making: Providing real-time updates and data-driven insights during missions.

DROSERA automates the calculation of quantitative risk indicators using models specifically designed for fixed-wing UAVs. The software takes into account:

- Vehicle Specifications

- Flight Procedures

- Mission Objectives

- Environmental Conditions (such as wind speed and time of day)

By integrating these factors, DROSERA provides highly accurate risk evaluations, giving operators confidence in their mission planning and execution.

 Unique Features of DROSERA

DROSERA is equipped with several cutting-edge features that set it apart from other tools in the industry:

- Automated Risk Calculations: The software uses advanced models to automate SORA assessments, saving operators significant time and effort.

- Real-Time Environmental Analysis: DROSERA considers factors like weather, population movement, and traffic to provide dynamic risk calculations.

- Custom End-of-Flight Strategies: It allows for flexible risk mitigation techniques, such as terminal spiral descents, to minimize risk during mission termination.

 How DROSERA Helps Drone Operators

Drone service providers and operators benefit from DROSERA by gaining access to a powerful tool that simplifies mission preparation and ensures compliance with safety standards. With its ability to automatically generate SORA reports and quantitative risk assessments, DROSERA saves operators time while providing reliable data to optimize mission safety. The software's ability to integrate real-time environmental data further enhances its practical applications, enabling more informed decision-making.

 Why DROSERA is a Must-Have Tool for Drone Pilots

For drone pilots, DROSERA is an essential tool that offers:

- Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates adherence to EASA and national safety regulations through automated SORA assessments.

- Time-Saving Automation: Eliminates the need for manual, complex risk calculations by automating risk analysis.

- Enhanced Mission Safety: Provides real-time data on risks, enabling safer, more efficient drone operations.

- Comprehensive Risk Overview: Covers both air and ground risks, ensuring a full spectrum of safety considerations for every mission.

In conclusion, DROSERA is an indispensable tool for any drone operator looking to streamline mission planning and enhance safety. Its combination of advanced technologies and user-friendly features makes it a must-have for professionals in the drone industry.