- DigiSky brings to ALRIGH2T expertise in high risk flight operations, hydrogen powered aircrafts and digital technologies, to deliver Virtual Reality training for airport personnel.
The push for hydrogen-powered aviation is soaring, but a critical piece is often missing: effective training for ground personnel. As new technologies and procedures are introduced, ensuring safety and efficiency requires highly skilled teams. That’s where DigiSky steps into the ALRIGH2T project. Recognizing the need for specialized training in high-risk operations and handling hydrogen-powered aircraft, DigiSky is developing cutting-edge Virtual Reality training modules. By leveraging digital technologies, DigiSky aims to provide airport personnel with immersive and realistic simulations, preparing them for the unique challenges of the hydrogen aviation era.
State of the art technologies for aviation
DigiSky has been present in the Turin Aerospace District since 2007, and it is at the forefront of advanced aviation solutions, operating across two distinct yet complementary domains.
Through its Skymetry service, DigiSky acts as a specialized lens for Earth Observation, delivering a comprehensive suite of services from airborne data acquisition to the creation of detailed, georeferenced analytics. Imagine having a precise digital replica of the environment at your fingertips, tailored to specific needs like infrastructure monitoring, agricultural assessment, or urban planning. Skymetry achieves this by deploying a versatile fleet of aircraft equipped with cutting-edge sensors, processing the collected data with proprietary algorithms, and even leveraging artificial intelligence to extract valuable insights.
DigiSky has also achieved the SPO certification by EASA, being capable of operating its fleet in high-risk environments and developing a specific expertise in high-risk operative procedures.
On the other side, SkyGate positions DigiSky as an enabler of innovation within the aerospace industry. Think of it as a dedicated launchpad for new aerospace technologies. SkyGate offers a unique combination of an accessible airport infrastructure and a research center specifically designed for in-flight validation. This service caters particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises and startups, providing them with the operational support, facilities, and expertise needed to test and refine their aerospace innovations, ultimately facilitating their entry into the market. From conducting feasibility studies to managing flight test campaigns and navigating the complexities of certification, SkyGate offers end-to-end support for bringing groundbreaking aerospace technologies to life.
Training is safety: ALRIGH2T test operations get real
Building upon their expertise in airborne data acquisition and georeferenced analytics through their Skymetry service, DigiSky is currently developing an ultra-high-resolution three-dimensional model of Milan Malpensa Airport. This model is being created using data captured during a specialized flight utilizing their advanced aerial photogrammetry capabilities.
The primary objective of this initiative is to construct a detailed virtual environment that serves as the foundation for immersive training modules. Within this virtual replica of Malpensa Airport, DigiSky will integrate all the essential elements required for comprehensive ground personnel training. This includes, but is not limited to, the hydrogen storage tanks, associated service equipment, refueling trucks, and safety systems, each meticulously modeled to accurately reflect their real-world counterparts. Furthermore, the virtual model will incorporate the operational logic and procedures associated with these elements, allowing trainees to interact with them realistically. This virtual environment will be integrated into a structured learning system that facilitates training in both standard operational scenarios and emergency response protocols.
By leveraging cutting-edge Virtual Reality technology, DigiSky aims to provide a highly immersive training experience that maximizes educational effectiveness while significantly minimizing risks and costs associated with traditional on-site training methods. This approach not only enhances the preparedness of airport personnel for the advent of hydrogen-powered aviation but also aligns with DigiSky’s broader mission of enabling innovation and safety in the aerospace industry through advanced digital solutions.
Beyond its primary function for training purposes, the ultra-high-resolution 3D model of Milan Malpensa Airport offers a valuable secondary advantage. It enables a more informed and strategic selection of the test development area. By visualizing the airport environment in detail, our key partner SEA, the airport management company, can precisely identify the optimal location for conducting tests related to hydrogen-powered aviation.
Furthermore, the model facilitates the planning of the test setup, ensuring that safety is maximized and operational disruptions to the airport are minimized. This is particularly crucial as the airport will remain operational throughout the testing phase. The 3D model allows for virtual simulations and scenario planning, enabling the team to anticipate potential challenges and refine their approach. This de-risking factor is extremely important and can significantly facilitate the approval of the activity by ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority), ultimately ensuring a smooth and safe testing process without impacting the airport’s daily operations.
SkySpark: A pioneering experience
SkySpark represents a significant milestone in DigiSky’s journey toward sustainable propulsion systems in aviation. Developed in close collaboration with Alpi Aviation and promoted by astronaut Maurizio Cheli, SkySpark was among the first ultralight electric aircraft to achieve remarkable outcomes in the field of alternative propulsion, setting a world record for speed and endurance in its class on June 12, 2009. The project, originating from research conducted at the Polytechnic University of Turin, enabled DigiSky to acquire crucial expertise in electric propulsion systems, energy management, and innovative aeronautical technologies. This experience substantially enhanced DigiSky’s technical and operational capabilities, directly influencing their current role within the ALRIGH2T project.
Specifically, SkySpark’s success provided a robust foundation for DigiSky’s ongoing commitment to developing and implementing advanced digital technologies for immersive training, operational safety, and the integration of cutting-edge procedures essential for introducing hydrogen-powered aircraft into airport operations. This early, successful exploration into electrically powered flight has profoundly shaped DigiSky’s innovative approach, reinforcing its position in the aviation industry’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions. This was a strong motivational factor for the participation of DigiSky in ALRIGH2T, its first clean aviation European project.
