Altitude Angel’s ARROW Patent Unlocks Safer, Scalable Drone Operations in the U.S.

Today, Altitude Angel, a leading provider of Unified Traffic Management (UTM) technology, secured a U.S. patent for its ARROW system, a ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) solution that enables drones to operate safely beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) without onboard sensors or human observers. This breakthrough, demonstrated in the UK’s first drone superhighway, promises to transform drone applications in the U.S., from medical logistics to infrastructure inspection, by making BVLOS operations more accessible and cost-effective.

Ground-Based Technology Redefines BVLOS

ARROW uses a network of ground-based sensors, including radio frequency detectors and high-resolution cameras, to monitor airspace. Altitude Angel’s software fuses this data to create a real-time, high-resolution airspace picture, rivaling radar at a fraction of the cost. Unlike traditional systems requiring expensive onboard equipment, ARROW’s infrastructure-based approach reduces operational costs and eliminates the need for visual observers, enabling drones to integrate seamlessly with manned aircraft.

This technology supports automated air traffic control for commercial drones, ensuring no additional burden on general aviation pilots, paragliders, or other airspace users.

“Receiving this U.S. patent is a major milestone for Altitude Angel and a testament to the ingenuity of our team,” said Richard Parker, CEO and founder of Altitude Angel. “ARROW is not just a technology – it’s a seismic shift in how we think about airspace access and drone operations.”

Proven Success and Industry Impact

ARROW powered Project Skyway, a 165-mile (265-kilometer) drone superhighway connecting Reading, Oxford, Coventry, and Rugby in the UK. Completed in January 2025 under Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge, the project showcased ARROW’s ability to provide “Separation-as-a-Service,” allowing multiple drone operators to share airspace safely without segregation or costly equipment. This model could enable U.S. drone operators to scale operations efficiently, supporting applications like emergency response and medical deliveries.

The patent strengthens Altitude Angel’s global intellectual property portfolio, which includes two UK patents awarded in 2020 for ARROW and a tactical conflict resolution service. It positions the company to license ARROW to U.S. partners, fostering regional drone economies. For drone professionals, this means access to infrastructure that supports safe, automated flights, potentially reducing costs by up to 50% compared to onboard sensor-based systems.

Regulatory and Economic Implications

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) increasingly emphasizes scalable BVLOS solutions to integrate drones into national airspace. ARROW’s ground-based approach aligns with this goal, offering a framework for regulators to approve widespread BVLOS operations without mandating costly retrofits for existing aircraft. Economically, the technology could lower barriers for small and medium-sized drone businesses, enabling them to compete in industries like logistics and agriculture.

However, challenges remain. Deploying ground-based sensor networks requires significant upfront investment and coordination with local governments. Privacy concerns over camera-based monitoring may also spark debate, necessitating clear regulatory guidelines. Despite these hurdles, ARROW’s ability to deliver radar-like performance at lower costs—potentially $10,000 per sensor station versus $100,000 for traditional radar—makes it a compelling solution for urban and rural airspace management.

Looking Ahead

Altitude Angel’s U.S. patent marks a pivotal step toward scalable drone operations. By enabling safe, cost-effective BVLOS flights, ARROW could accelerate the adoption of drones for critical tasks, from delivering medical supplies to inspecting power lines. As the company partners with U.S. firms to deploy this technology, drone professionals and recreational pilots alike stand to benefit from a safer, more inclusive airspace.