CIS+ system delivered to support U-space rollout in Czech airspace
Czech group CSG has handed over the CIS+ system to the national air navigation provider ANS CR to support the introduction of U-space. Full deployment is expected in the second half of 2027.
Czech technology group CSG has delivered the CIS+ (Common Information Service) system to Air Navigation Services of the Czech Republic (ANS CR), the national air navigation provider. Its purpose is to help introduce U-space, a framework for managing airspace in which drones and conventional manned aircraft operate side by side. The system will now go through operational implementation and certification, with full deployment expected in the second half of 2027.
CIS+ is built on the MAIA platform and was developed by UpVision, a member of CSG's Aerospace & Defence Electronics subdivision. CSG says it will enable the safe coordination of a fast-growing number of drones with other airspace users.
What the system does
CIS+ provides several digital services. It consolidates and distributes information on geographical zones and restrictions that apply to uncrewed aircraft, and shares approved flight authorisations. It identifies and tracks drones in real time, provides information on all aircraft operations including manned flights, and reports deviations from approved drone flight plans. It also passes meteorological data from ANS CR's operational systems to U-space service providers, and lets users locate those providers and see whether they are available.
CSG says the system can be integrated directly with the conventional air traffic management system. Operational information and meteorological data can move from ANS CR's ATM system into the U-space environment through a dedicated interface, and the system can digitally process operational requests that fall within ANS CR's remit.
Examples of use
If ANS CR announces a temporary restriction, for example because of an air ambulance operation, an air show or a visit by a head of state, CIS+ digitally sends the information to all connected U-space service providers. If a drone operator requests a flight in airspace that requires coordination with ANS CR, the request is forwarded for assessment through CIS+, and ANS CR's decision is then distributed automatically to the relevant providers. When drones operated via different providers share the same airspace, each provider can access the information needed to coordinate operations.
The MAIA platform was developed by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in software development, air traffic management, U-space, digital infrastructure and security technologies. It builds on experience from European projects including CERTIFLIGHT, U-Space4UAM and ATM-EXCITE.
