A bit of good news, ASTRAEA (Autonomous Systems Technology Related Airborne Evaluation & Assessment) has announced that the second stage of the project will commence after the completion of Phase 1.
ASTRAEA is a government and industry consortium, no doubt getting agreement and above all else, the cash, was probably like herding cats but the next phase will seek to demonstrate separation assurance control and autonomous decision making, culminating in what is hoped will be the first fully autonomous flight in non segregated airspace in a couple of years.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/73614187@N03/9097696569/in/photolist-eS8x4s-eRW5ep
Bit by bit the UK is making progress towards autonomous UAS helped largely by an industry that sees the future. Good to see that even in these constrained times the MoD can find the funds, albeit limited funds, to push this forward.
