In this episode we begin a three part series that looks at how drones have been used to help the NHS response to COVID-19.

We're joined by Simon Masters and Dawn MacGregor from UKRI (UK Research and Innovation), the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation.

UKRI's work includes the 'Future flight challenge' which aims to bring together technologies in electrification, aviation systems and autonomy to create new modes of air travel and capability.

Some of the projects funded by the 'Future flight challenge' so far have included using drones to support the NHS and emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You'll hear about how these projects were selected, the benefits they can deliver and how the CAA's Innovation team helped support this work.

You can find our more about UKRI and the 'Future flight challenge' below

https://www.ukri.org/our-work/our-main-funds/industrial-strategy-challenge-fund/future-of-mobility/future-flight-challenge/

UKRI Future flight vision roadmap

https://www.ukri.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UKRI-130821-FutureFlightVisionRoadmap.pdf

For information about projects focussing on the demonstration aspects of novel classes of electric or autonomous air vehicles and systems see:

Future flight challenge phase three: strand one

https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/future-flight-challenge-phase-three-strand-one/

For information about projects focussing on developing enabling technologies and cross-cutting systems that support the deployment of these novel air vehicles in UK airspace see:

Future flight challenge phase three: strand two

https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/980/overview