U-space - Expanding the Eco-system through Enhanced CNS Technologiescore
U-EXPAND · Horizon Europe grant · 2026-09-01–2029-08-31
EC contribution
Total cost
Beneficiaries
About the data
Source: CORDIS (official EU open data), Horizon Europe. Framework HORIZON · call HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02 · scheme HORIZON-JU-IA · topic HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-IR-02-WA6-2. CORDIS record →
Objective
U-expand is a project proposal designed to significantly advance the CNS capabilities for enhanced U-space services and Extending U-space eco-system, including the use of U-space services by commercial aircraft, general aviation, crewed VCA. The project supports the Digital European Sky vision by developing two solutions advancing to TRL 7 and developing a third solution aiming to reach TRL4.(1) Advanced CNS for U3 U-space services, validating and establishing a new benchmark for CNS capabilities that will enable the safe and efficient provision of U3 U-space services,including validation of public 5G networks as a dual-use infrastructure.(2) e-Conspicuity for U-space, addressing an affordable and reliable e-conspicuity service based on GNSS authenticated signals, for General Aviation pilots, enabling pilots to operate safely both inside and outside U-space. The solution combines portable onboard devices, multi-source surveillance networks, and ground infrastructures to allow GA pilots to share their position, access trusted traffic data in real time.(3) U-space for Crewed/Uncrewed Integration focusing on the Integration of UAS & crewed aircrafts, with the primary goal of extending the U-space ecosystem to allow VFR crewed traffic to use U-space services both inside and outside U-space airspace.U-expand follows an agile, iterative approach validated through operational exercises across Spain and Italy. By contributing to Strategic Deployment Objectives 8, 9, and 10 of the European ATM Master Plan 2025, it supports UAS operations and Innovative Air Mobility, service-oriented delivery models and strengthens Europe’s position in advanced aviation technologies. Expected impacts include enhanced safety and security, reduced operational costs, increased efficiency. The 20-partner consortium comprising leading ANSPs, USSPs, research institutions and industry leaders leverages extensive SESAR and U-space experience.
Beneficiaries (20)
| Organisation | Country | Role | EC contribution | SME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D-FLIGHT SPA | IT | coordinator | €493,500 | |
| FASTWEB SPA | IT | participant | €849,928 | |
| ENAIRE | ES | participant | €630,140 | |
| UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA | ES | participant | €384,711 | |
| DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FUR LUFT - UND RAUMFAHRT EV | DE | participant | €308,361 | |
| ANRA TECHNOLOGIES UK LTD | UK | participant | €280,046 | |
| DEEP BLUE SRL | IT | participant | €280,000 | Yes |
| TOPVIEW SRL | IT | participant | €256,238 | Yes |
| FUNDACION INSTITUTO TECNOLOGICO DE GALICIA | ES | participant | €241,150 | |
| INVOLI SA | CH | participant | €238,241 | Yes |
| PILDO CONSULTING SL | ES | participant | €196,612 | Yes |
| POLITECNICO DI MILANO | IT | participant | €188,300 | |
| SAFESKY | BE | participant | €175,922 | Yes |
| ENGAGE SRL | IT | participant | €165,249 | |
| NEXTANT APPLICATIONS & INNOVATIVE SOLUTION SRL | IT | participant | €126,700 | Yes |
| ENAV SPA | IT | participant | €85,137 | |
| EUROCONTROL - EUROPEAN ORGANISATION FOR THE SAFETY OF AIR NAVIGATION | BE | participant | €0 | |
| CENTRO DE REFERENCIA INVESTIGACION DESARROLLO E INNOVACION ATM, A.I.E. | ES | thirdParty | €0 | |
| TECHNO SKY SRL TECHNOLOGIES FOR AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT | IT | thirdParty | €0 | |
| INGENIERIA Y ECONOMIA DEL TRANSPORTE SME MP SA | ES | thirdParty | €0 |
Get the EU Defence Funding Calendar — free
The full calendar of open EU defence and dual-use funding calls, sorted by deadline, updated nightly. Delivered with DFM Analysis, our weekly briefing on who is funding what in European defence.
Or browse all open defence & dual-use calls on the funding calendar →
Defence Finance Monitor is an analytical and informational product. Grant data is official CORDIS; the paid Annual Professional subscription is handled on DFM Analysis.