India is witnessing an exponential growth in UAVs, Govt. of India has liberalized the regulations and implemented PLI scheme for manufacturers, at the same time it’s equally important to establish adequate checks and balances to assure quality of drones being manufactured in the country .This feature written on behalf of Quality Council of India (QCI), dwells upon the procedure and requirements under Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS).
A drone, also known as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operates without human onboard and can be piloted remotely from the ground. While initially associated with military applications, these unmanned aerial vehicles have gained popularity across civilian and commercial domains. Their uses span a wide spectrum from surveying, wildlife management, agriculture sector, disaster management and photography with applications expanding rapidly.
The Government of India is actively encouraging drone usage by liberalizing regulations and introducing performance-linked incentives (PLI) for manufacturers. The PLI Scheme for drones and
their components is strategically designed to support the industry in its strategic, tactical, and operational implementations of this transformative technology. Drones have become integral to various government schemes and projects, catalyzing a surge in demand for drone technology and services.The emerging concept of “Drone as a Service” is gaining significant traction across sectors. This concept is set to streamline India’s diverse drone industry, fostering collaboration between manufacturers and service providers. By promoting this service-oriented approach, the aim is to bring cohesion to the fragmented drone landscape, encouraging synergy and innovation in the industry.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, introduced “The Drones Rules 2021” on August 25, 2021, wherein the mandate for a type certificate for drones was established. This significant step facilitated the creation of a global accredited certification framework for drones, aiming to responsibly expand the commercial applications of diverse drone technologies while ensuring necessary safeguards.
The introduction of the type certification process underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem for drones. Certified drones are now authorized to operate for various commercial purposes within the specified regulatory framework. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a nodal agency under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, formalized this initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Quality Council of India (QCI), an autonomous body established by the Government of India. The collaboration was dedicated to develop and operate the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS), aligning with the evolving rules, regulations, and procedures. This structured process guarantees that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) adhere to relevant regulatory requirements, ensuring both domestic compliance and international equivalence. Through this collaboration, the government aims to facilitate the responsible growth of the drone industry while maintaining a high standard of safety and regulatory adherence.
The Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS) plays a pivotal role in elevating the competitiveness of the Indian drone industry. It emphasizes the importance of a conformity assessment framework that prioritizes parameters such as quality, reliability, and safety of drones. This framework was officially gazette notified by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on January 26, 2022, aligning with the provisions set forth in the Drone Rules of 2021. CSUAS is structured in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17065 product certification requirements.
In the current landscape, India boasts a diverse array of drone-based startups, primarily engaged in either providing drone-based services or manufacturing drones. The industry is experiencing significant growth, accompanied by a surge in demand. The type certification process emerges as a valuable mechanism for Indian drone manufacturers, empowering them to develop world-class products that meet stringent quality and safety standards. This strategic approach positions Indian drone manufacturers to not only meet domestic requirements but also compete on a global scale and promote Make in India.
Drones have expanded their role beyond surveying and photography, making significant strides into agricultural practices. They are now actively involved in farming activities like spraying insecticides or pesticides and conducting crop health assessments. In India, this technology has been embraced enthusiastically by farmers due to its ability to significantly reduce spraying time and minimize human exposure to hazardous pesticides or insecticides. The Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft systems (CSUAS)defines the ten clauses or criteria for certification along with drone category and classification as per The Drones Rules 2021.
10 specific technical criteria defined in CSUAS for Certification
The depicted picture illustrates the ten clauses essential for the certification of drones. Technical criteria encompass a thorough examination of parameters such as performance, battery, structure, data link testing and other specified factors outlined in the certification scheme. This comprehensive evaluation is crucial to ensure that drones meet the required standards.
The evaluation process is conducted in two stages by Certification Bodies (CBs) or Authorized Testing Entities (ATEs). In the first stage, the focus is on document verification including design documents and all other relevant paperwork. During the second stage, a meticulous examination of physical parameters is done, aligning with the submitted documents and encompassing the overall physical condition of the drone. This stage also involves a flight test to validate the drone’s performance and adherence to certification requirements. After completion of both stages, Statement of Conformity (SoC) is being submitted to DGCA by respective CB.
Flow Chart for Type Certification Process of UAS
The certification process is depicted in the above flowchart, illustrating how manufacturers can initiate the Type Certification by submitting Form D1 through the Digital Sky Platform. Managed by DGCA, the Digital Sky Platform serves as a comprehensive solution for all drone-related activities in India. The entire certification procedure has been streamlined into a digital format, allowing real-time monitoring of Form D1 progress on the Digital Sky Platform.
Quality plays a pivotal role in shaping a product’s development and determining its lifecycle. The Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CSUAS) stands as a crucial stride toward realizing India’s ambition to become a Global Drone Hub by 2030, contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.
(Jointly written by CS Sharma, Joint Director( PAD Division), Quality Council of India & Roanak Kumar, Associate Manager ( PAD Division),Quality Council of India.)
