Landmark Approval: BVLOS Drones Cleared for UK Rail Surveillance

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has authorised Drone Major Group to conduct the country’s first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations over Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This is the first instance of BVLOS flights being permitted in non-segregated airspace, allowing long-range drones to operate above functioning railway lines while coexisting with traditional air traffic.

The pilot project is set to begin along a 12-kilometre corridor between Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley Station. Supported by Network Rail, the initiative is intended to support faster responses to service disruptions, monitor trespassing activity, and provide data for improving safety and efficiency. Testing has already been completed along key routes, including the Severn Valley Railway and sections south-east of Wolverhampton station.

Inside the Digital Tethering Technology and the Sustainability Horizon ahead

At the core of this innovation lies Drone Major’s proprietary Digital Tethering™ system. Rather than relying solely on GPS, this method creates a controlled ‘safety corridor’, a virtual path guiding drone navigation. The system continually verifies aircraft positioning, switching to ground-based sensors and onboard cameras when satellite signals are weak, such as near bridges or in valleys.

In the event of deviation or interference, Digital Tethering™ is designed to trigger an immediate hover or safe landing, reducing ground-level risks. This setup is intended to support autonomous navigation, ensuring operational safety in built environments and along active railways.

With initial success, the plan is to proceed with additional trials across other CNI sectors, including utilities, border security, and energy networks. By enabling autonomous inspections and live monitoring, the drones are expected to cut operational delays, reduce safety risks, and deliver cost efficiencies.

The CAA's authorisation contributes to the ongoing development of regulations in drone-based infrastructure management. It also sets a precedent for regulatory frameworks globally, showing how unmanned systems can operate reliably in shared airspace.