The Open Category covers UAS (or RPAS) classes that present a low operational risk. The use of these UAS can be both for recreational purposes and for other operations. Within this category, operations are divided into three subcategories (A1, A2 and A3), while drones are divided into 5 classes (C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4). Although there are considerable variations within the category in terms of drone weight and type of operation, all UAS within the Open Category must comply with two fundamental requirements: always operate within the pilot's visual line of sight (VLOS) and remain at a maximum altitude of 120 meters.
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Although Open Category drones are classified as lower risk compared to those in the Specific or Certified Category, they must undergo a wide range of conformity tests in a competent laboratory to access the market. In the case of C1, C2 and C3 class drones, a Notified Body must be involved in the assessment during the certification process.
LABORATORY TESTING
All required validation tests
Electrical, mechanical, acoustic and information technology testing.
FLIGHT TESTING
All required validation tests
Speed and control, Geo-Awareness and information display testing.
CERTIFICATION
Notified Body for certification according to EU 2019/945
Certification of all UAS classes: C0, C1, C2, C3 and C4.
Laboratory testing
Measure the maximum take-off mass of the UAS
Applicability by class:
C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6
Verify the sound power level and its label
Applicability by class:
C1, C2, C3, C5, C6
Verify the mechanical strength of the aircraft
Applicability by class: C1, C2
Verify the correct operation of the lights
Applicability by class: C1, C2, C3, C5, C6
Verify that the DRI/NRI transmits all mandatory information
Applicability by class: C1, C2, C3, C5, C6
Apply the corresponding regulations if it is a tethered aircraft
Applicability by class: C2, C3, C5, C6
Verify the safety of the drone to prevent injury to a person in the event of a collision
Applicability by class: C0, C1, C2
Verify the protection of the aircraft's C2 link
Applicability by class: C2, C3, C5, C6
Verify compliance with the requirements for the accessories kit that allows conversion from C3 to C5
Applicability by class: C5 kit
Flight testing
Verify the ground speed limitation
Applicability by class:
- Max. speed: C0, C1
- Low speed: C2, C5
Verify restricted airspace zones
Applicability by class:
- Geofencing: C1, C2, C3
- Geocaging: C5, C6
Verify the behavior in the event of loss of the aircraft's C2 link
Applicability by class: C1, C2, C3, C5, C6
Verify that the aircraft height is less than or equal to the permitted height
Applicability by class: C0, C1, C2, C3
Verify the drone's positioning awareness
Applicability by class: C1, C2, C3, C5, C6
Verify the aircraft's crashworthiness
Applicability by class: C0, C1, C2
Assessment of the aircraft's handling quality
Applicability by class: C0, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6
Verify the means for the remote pilot to terminate the flight
Applicability by class: C5, C6
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Verify the low battery mode
Applicability by class: C1, C2, C3, C5, C6
Thanks to our global network of accredited laboratories and extensive experience in electrical, electronic, mechanical, acoustic and cybersecurity testing, at Applus+ Laboratories we can perform all the validation tests required for the Open Category, as well as acting as a Notified Body for UAS certification according to European Regulation 2019/945.