Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT or Blockchains) are fundamentally redundant, shared access networks with high fault tolerance. In a world of finite airspace, safe and *secure* interoperability between UTM applications, drone operators large & small plus ANSP's/regulators is not a nice to have, but a must have. Despite widespread testing and experimentation, it is safe to say this is not the case today. Meanwhile, DLT's have spawned a new way to produce 'observable security' over data flow and transactions between stakeholders. In this talk, Rory will deep dive into blockchain consensus mechanisms and trust architectures and their relevance to autonomous aviation. Via a trusted network that reaches consensus together a highly (byzantine) secure digital airspace can be realised that is effectively immune to data corruption and hacking. We will then look at the current state of interoperability in UTM, and look at how a DLT network can align an industry towards the adoption of a networking protocol that aligns interests without favouring a monopolistic arbiter, enabling the industry in a leaderless and borderless fashion. We will finish with a look at airspace governance citing examples of current blockchain governance experiments from other industries and how stakeholders can and do participate in network governance.
Prerequisite Skills and Knowledge:
A basic to intermediate understanding of current UTM challenges and limitations. No prior blockchain knowledge required.