Development of the extended U-space Concept of Operations CORUS V5.0

CORUS five is a SESAR 3 Exploratory Research project aiming to update the European U-space Concept of Operations (ConOps). Building on the success of its predecessors, CORUS and CORUS-XUAM, this initiative aims to align with recent regulatory developments and address critical open questions regarding UAS and VCA operations. The project will propose a more advanced U-space framework to facilitate safer and more efficient operations, while also focusing on the integration of manned and unmanned aircraft within the same airspace.

The project is proposed by a project consortium of eleven partners coordinated by EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub, and encompasses industry, drone operators, ANSPs and future CISPs and USSP as well as universities.

CORUS five will focus on three timeframes: short, medium and long term. The short-term describes which operations are possible with current regulations. In the medium term, the project will propose a more advanced U-space framework, facilitating a greater number of safe and efficient flights than currently. Looking ahead, CORUS five will also explore strategies for integrating manned and unmanned aircraft within the same airspace, providing essential guidance for subsequent research initiatives.

The project aims to:

• Cover a wider U-space geographical area, with new conceptual elements and integration of lessons learnt from ConOps Edition 4.0 
• Define Flight rules and airspace structure allowing safe operation of UAS among crewed flights 
• Assess safety and contingency aspects of U-space and definition of mitigations 
• Develop functionalities and U3/U4 services supporting the U-space integration 
• Enhance methods to study social acceptance of U-space and UAM deployments 
• Outreach to airspace users, airport operators and the ATM community to ensure solutions and concept elements are acceptable for all stakeholders  
• Identify R&D needs for the deployment of U-space ConOps v5.0 and recommendations for standardisation and policy making.

The main results will be used to update the European U-space Concept of Operations to provide U-space stakeholders with a common understanding of how U-space works, and by doing so provide a basis for discussion and improvement. 

The CORUS five project aims to bring the ConOps into line with the latest developments, developing the fifth edition of the ConOps which should be published in 2026.

EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub coordinates the consortium and leads the work package on U-space concept of operations and architecture working closely with all project consortium members and third-party partners all of which have an invaluable role in the project. EUROCONTROL will also provide a significant contribution on the validation and demonstration management activities, aiming to ensure their alignment with wider ATM and U-space EU strategies.

EUROCONTROL, Autonomous University of Barcelona Alliance for New Mobility Europe, ANRA Technologies, Austro Control, Aviant, CRIDA, Collins Aerospace, ENAIRE, Frequentis, Polytechnic University of Catalunya (UPC),VTT.