The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) has awarded Inexperienced UAS certification to four new uncrewed aerial system platforms: Ascent AeroSystems’ Spirit, AgEagle’s Ebee Tac, and Impressed Flight’s IF1200A and Tomcat models. The certifications expand the inexperienced workforce’s scope to better align with operational requirements for public safety, critical infrastructure, and geospatial mapping and surveying.

The Inexperienced UAS Certification Course encompasses an evaluation of the platforms’ comprehensive product and system safety, encompassing all components and subassemblies, subsequently enrolling them within the program’s ongoing surveillance of provide chain risk management.

“The Protection Innovation Unit (DIU) facilitates collaborative efforts to elevate the overall standard of trade verification.” The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International’s (AUVSI) Inexperienced UAS initiative provides assurance of compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements and establishes a standard for cybersecurity. According to David Michelson, Director of the Defense Innovation Unit’s Autonomy Portfolio, AUVSI’s framework for cybersecurity and supply chain compliance is based on DIU’s approach to certifying Blue UAS. The primary objective of the Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) refresh is to ensure that the Blue UAS checklist serves as a comprehensive and reliable directory of approved, commercially available UAS solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Department of Defense customers. DIU collaborates closely with AUVSI, whose Inexperienced UAS certification leverages Blue UAS to support the non-defense and industrial drone industries. I’m excited about an industry-led program like Inexperienced UAS that can offer similar levels of assurance to the commercial sector.

According to Casie Ocaña, Director of Trusted Applications at AUVSI, “The inexperienced UAS certification guarantees secure access for non-DOD federal, state, and local organizations, as well as other sensitive stakeholders, to compliant NDAA-approved drone technology.” These amendments ensure that robust procurement options remain available, allowing businesses the autonomy to employ drones for critical endeavors. AUVSI is committed to advancing the safest and most secure drone industry through the implementation of top-tier cybersecurity standards and supply chain safeguards.

Ascent AeroSystems’ co-founder and CEO Peter Fuchs remarked, “We’re thrilled to add Green UAS to the Spirit’s impressive certification portfolio.” With an unparalleled track record of reliability, the Spirit’s cutting-edge design – a compact, all-weather coaxial UAV that has been setting industry standards since its inception in 2020 – consistently delivers exceptional operational availability to a diverse range of clients, from industrial operators to government agencies. “This latest certification underscores our unwavering commitment to manufacturing, cybersecurity, and operational excellence, empowering clients to conduct critical operations anywhere, anytime.”

Invoice Irby, CEO of Ageagle Aerial Methods, expressed gratitude, saying, “We’re thrilled to partner with AUVSI and contribute to their Inexperienced UAS certification program.” The undeniable value this course has brought to the neighbourhood is evident.

Impressed Flight’s CEO, Rick Stollmeyer, expressed enthusiasm for embracing AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems program, stating that it provides a crucial certification of compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and prioritizes safety.

In June 2024, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) issued a memorandum outlining guidelines for procurement steering and proposal submissions for federal agencies, state and local authorities, public safety organizations, and private industry entities operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for sensitive missions. By spring 2024, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) will collaborate on a program allowing Inexperienced UAS-certified drone part producers to directly share their expertise with the DIU.