A person stands above the city holding a box while drones fly around them, also holding boxes.

Electronic and digital aviation business cluster

The electronic and digital aviation business cluster project researches and develops aviation towards the diversified air traffic culture of the future.

The project

About the cluster

The rapidly growing unmanned and traditional manned aviation meet more and more often both in the sky and at airports. Drone cargo transport overlaps with land transport. The new functions therefore bring a large number of challenges, but especially a lot of new innovative opportunities. Even though low emissions is also one of the main future goals of aviation, the most important thing in aviation is what gives the future air traffic of the stone leg: safety.

The project is implemented as a joint project between Southeast Finland University of Applied Sciences – Xamk and Kotka-Hamina regional development company Cursor Oy. The project is led by Xamk.

The long-term effects of the project support the transition away from air traffic from travel and transport equipment that uses non-renewable and polluting natural resources.

Key measures of the cluster

The long-term effects of the project support the transition away from air traffic from travel and transport equipment that uses non-renewable and polluting natural resources. The project reduces the risks caused by climate change by increasing its stakeholder further understanding of current carbon-based logistics production solutions harmfulness. On the other hand, the project increases stakeholders’ awareness and confidence that in the future, harmful solutions can be replaced with more sustainable ones in terms of climate methods.

The project promotes the development of ecological technical innovations and travel services and implementation around new forms of air transport. Aiming at the use of renewable energy solutions regarding the aircraft fleet and the airport’s energy production contribute to the long-term sustainability goals.

The electronic and digital aviation business cluster project therefore supports the emergence of new business opportunities and uses of services for transporting small goods and passengers. Utilization of new technologies at the airport in ground services and the introduction of sustainable energy solutions in airport operations contribute development of the economic structure.

Long-range drone cargo flights

Among the first in Europe, Xamk has acquired the large DJI FlyCart 30 cargo drone that entered the market in spring 2024. Electronic and digital aviation business cluster project uses FlyCart for cargo transportation. Here are some technical features of the DJI monster drone

Maximum load capacity of 40 kg (maximum takeoff weight 95 kg)
Maximum dimension 3 085 mm (arms and propellers unfolded)
Maximum flight distance 28 km (without payload and dual battery mode)
Maximum flight distance 16 km (with 30 kg payload and dual battery mode)
Maximum speed 72 km/h / 39 kts
Maximum flight altitude 6 000 m / 19 685 ft (without payload)
Operating temperature range -20° to 45° C
Ingress protection rating (IP) 55

The DJI FlyCart 30 is equipped with a 70 liter transport box or a cable winch. The length of the winch cable is 20 meters, so it enables the cargo carried by the drone to be lowered to places where it would otherwise be difficult or even impossible to deliver cargo.

The drone in question always requires a special category operating permit due to its size and weight. Electronic and digital aviation business cluster project will start flights with the DJI FlyCart 30 drone during the fall of 2024.

Watch the video

**Xamk’s DJI FlyCart 30 in the airplane hangar at Helsinki-East Aerodrome** (Photo: Marko Sorsa)

**Avionix openAir drone-cube on the roof of the hangar** at
**Helsinki-East Aerodrome** (Photo: Marko Sorsa)

ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast)

Coordinating unmanned aviation with manned aviation requires safe and controlled airspace. ADS-B aircraft tracking system is one very important factor for increasing safety and enabling various aviation operations.

In order to promote and research aviation safety, Xamk’s NELI research unit has installed an Avionix ADS-B transmitter-receiver unit at Helsinki-East Aerodrome. The unit also includes Avionix openAir drone-cube. It is a versatile multi-channel receiver station designed for air traffic surveillance and other applications related to drone monitoring and airspace security

A similar unit will also be installed at Mikkeli Airport during the fall of 2024.