Evaluating the Applicability of SORA to Unmanned Airship Operations: A Comparative Study of SAIL II and SAIL III

Institute

Lehrstuhl für Flugsystemdynamik

Type

Semester Thesis / Master's Thesis /

Content

experimental / theoretical /  

Description

The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) is a pivotal methodology within the European regulatory framework for assessing risk in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations. While originally developed with multicopter and fixed-wing systems in mind, its applicability to unconventional platforms such as unmanned airships remains underexplored. This thesis investigates how SORA can be adapted and applied to unmanned airship operations, focusing on a comparative analysis between SAIL II and SAIL III levels. Through an examination of regulatory, technical, and operational criteria, the study aims to identify challenges, potential adaptations, and implications for integrating airships safely into European airspace. A particular emphasis will be placed on analyzing and evaluating mitigation strategies required under both SAIL levels, with a focus on their feasibility and effectiveness in airship-specific operations. We will also provide date from real world airship SORA applications for SAIL II and SAIL III.

Requirements

• Diligent and structured working methods and high level of commitment
• Familiarity with the JARUS SORA methodology is strong beneficial
• Proficiency in German, as many documents are available only in German
• Basic understanding of ConOps and aircraft development
• Basic knowledge in aviation safety and UAS regulation
• Interest in novel UAS platforms

Tags

SORA, UAV, UAS, Certification, Paper

Possible start

sofort

Contact

Markus Maly
Room: MW3605
Phone: +49 89 289 16080
markus.malytum.de

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