AirMap, DigiCert unveil Drone ID

15th December 2016 - 13:30 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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A new system that provides instant authentication of an unmanned aircraft’s identity certificate has been introduced by AirMap for UAS operations.

The publicly-trusted SSL/TLS certificate, called Drone ID, has been released in partnership with DigiCert for UAS security as the deployment of UAS in civil airspace grows.

UAS operators that register their air system online will receive a digital Drone ID certificate, including a unique, validated aircraft identity number that can be loaded onto the UAS and shared with others in the airspace. Drone ID will first be available for drones built with the Intel Aero platform for developers, including the Intel Aero Ready to Fly Drone.

The certificate hopes to boost efficient and secure communications between UAS, between UAS and other aircraft, and with platforms providing airspace information and services.

When an aircraft with Drone ID shares its identity, there is no need to query a third party to verify, enabling more efficient data exchange between airspace stakeholders.

Jared Ablon, AirMap chief information security officer, said: ‘Think of Drone ID like any form of identification you have in your wallet. If you show your driver’s license at airport security, they don’t need to call the DMV to verify. Drone ID works the same way, providing drones with an aircraft identity that has been authenticated by trusted authorities.’

Drone ID will be available in the first quarter of 2017.