The North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems (NACAS) at Charles Darwin University is at the forefront of the transformation, conducting essential research and training that could enhance the economy and the quality of life for Territorians. 

Under the leadership of Centre Director Professor Hamish Campbell, a dynamic team of scientists, engineers, aviation experts and data analysts is dedicated to exploring the potential of emerging aviation technologies for NT industries. 

“These innovations represent a transformative leap in transport, blending autonomous technologies and green energy solutions to enable safe, clean, and efficient transport.” 

With the global advanced air mobility landscape rapidly evolving, fuelled by significant investments and the establishment of cross-border regulatory frameworks, the NT stands at a pivotal point. 

Territorians have historically relied on aviation to maintain the social fabric, economic opportunity and healthcare. 

But manned aviation is costly, and many of the aerodromes in the NT are not up to modern aviation standards. The introduction of autonomous aircraft capable of transporting heavy payloads over long distances at significantly lower costs presents significant opportunities for business and government. 

Research by Airservices Australia anticipates a 20 percent annual increase in commercial drone flights, potentially reaching 60 million flights a year by 2043. 

The Australian drone market is projected to soar to $14.5 billion by 2030, reflecting the growing integration of drone services across key sectors such as mining, agriculture, forestry, defence and emergency management. 

Professor Campbell does not envisage the NT becoming an engineering powerhouse for aviation technology overnight, but he believes it could rapidly specialise as a global testing and integration hub for uncrewed aerial vehicles in the defence and commercial sectors. 

The NT’s low population density of 0.17 people per square kilometre and strategic location near South-east Asian markets make it an ideal setting for such developments. 

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has recognised the NT’s advantages, granting NACAS approval to establish two beyond visual line of sight flight test areas to foster the new industry. 

Professor Campbell’s vision extends even further – he aims to develop an internationally recognised uncrewed aerial vehicles flight test hub in the Territory, attracting Australian and Southeast Asian manufacturers and operators. 

The hub will provide a secure and comprehensive testing environment, ensuring compliance with regulations and supporting cutting-edge advancements in communications and safety technologies. 

Alongside the development of testing facilities, training is pivotal for nurturing the next generation of uncrewed aerial vehicle professionals. 

According to Deloitte, Australia’s drone industry is expected to create 5500 new jobs annually between 2020-2040. 

The proximity of low population density areas to urban centres, such as Darwin, is unrivalled in other capital cities, providing unqiue training opportunities. 

The North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems has already begun this journey by training aspiring uncrewed aerial vehicle pilots, ground crew and maintenance engineers. 

It recently gained accreditation from CASA as an approved training organisation, offering the remote pilot licence as part of an accredited Certificate III in Aviation, Remote Pilot program, delivered through CDU-TAFE. 

The course will be fee-free in 2025. 

Plans are underway to introduce a Certificate IV in Aviation, focusing on beyond visual line of sight operations to meet the growing demand for long-range drone flights. 

One area where the NT can rapdily become a leader in drone usage is remote healthcare delivery. 

Geographic isolation has created significant health disparities for many of the NT’s remote communities, impacting life expectancy and increasing rates of chronic illness. Drones have demonstrated their potential to improve healthcare logistics in Africa, where they have enhanced cold-chain management and reduced hospitalisations and decreased mortality rates. But the operation of drones for medical delivery in developed countries under First World aviation law is far more challenging. 

NACAS is collaborating with the NT Department of Health and the Red Lily Aboriginal Corporation to integrate drones into healthcare supply chains in West Arnhem, aiming to address these pressing challenges. 

Launching a successful drone industry is not without its hurdles. Key issues, such as securing sufficient revenue and attracting skilled personnel, remain significant. To combat this, NACAS is committed to solving regulatory and logistical constraints alongside government and non-government partners. 

Professor Campbell says NACAS staff are working across a wide variety of industries and sectors in the NT, from mining to agriculture, coastal surveillance to fire management, and there are many more unexplored applications where drones can enhance core business and lower costs. 

“We’re inviting all businesses, regardless of size, to explore how drones can enhance their operations,” he says. “The more we cultivate the ecosystem in the NT, the greater the support and advancement we will see.” 

As the Northern Territory positions itself as a national leader in the safe adoption and integration of one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, the potential rewards for local communities, businesses, and the economy are vast. 

CONTACT 

North Australia Centre for Autonomous Systems 

RPAS@cdu.edu.au 

nacas.net