About JBUAS
JBUAS is the official SPH Engineering reseller partner in the UK, providing integrated aerial systems for subsurface and environmental applications. Their solutions serve a range of sectors, including construction, energy, and public services.
Established in 2020, JBUAS combines strategic commercial expertise with field-based sensor knowledge. In recent years, the company has focused on bridging the gap between emerging drone-based technologies and real-world ground survey workflows. As part of this effort, JBUAS operates a purpose-built 7,500 m² geophysical test and training centre in eastern England. This offers clients practical exposure to UAV-based techniques before field deployment.
The company also serves as a regional integration and demonstration partner for SPH Engineering, helping to introduce and support advanced payload technologies in the UK market. Furthermore, JBUAS expertise has become widely known around the world. They see themselves invited to provide training and expertise on various projects outside the UK.
Drivers Behind Establishing a Test Site
Jonathan Brindley, founder of JBUAS, recognised a critical gap in the UK drone services industry. While drone-based photogrammetry and LiDAR were becoming mainstream, geophysical payloads remained underutilised and poorly understood by the broader commercial survey market. There were several contributing factors:
- No purpose-built test facility existed in the UK to evaluate the performance of UAV-mounted geophysical sensors in realistic conditions.
- At the time, sensor systems were still evolving. They required a high level of configuration expertise and manual setup.
- End users lacked reference points. They had little opportunity to see UAV systems operate side-by-side with traditional ground-based methods.
- Confidence in drone-based data collection was low, especially for applications involving buried infrastructure, archaeological features, or UXO.
- A market education gap existed, where even technically capable organisations hesitated to invest without the ability to validate outcomes in controlled environments.
JBUAS saw an opportunity to create a physical asset that could serve both educational and commercial functions. The goal was to bridge the knowledge gap through direct experience, where clients could observe, compare, and train on sensor systems in real-world scenarios before committing to deployment or purchase.
Collaboration with SPH Engineering
In 2021, Jonathan reached out to SPH Engineering. A technical relationship built on learning and mutual respect was established:
- Jonathan purchased a range of payloads, including GPR, echo sounder, and magnetometer integrated systems.
- He travelled to SPH Engineering’s test site in Latvia to receive in-depth training.
- SPH Engineering supported his learning by offering technical advice, fair pricing, and access to updates.
- JBUAS then built a working inventory of demo hardware for use in client trials, hands-on training, and sensor evaluation projects.
- JBUAS took the time to become certified by SPH Engineering and other OEM partners to train customers on various solutions, such as drone Magnetometry and drone GPR.
“If you show SPH that you’re sincere, loyal, and want to help their tech succeed, they’ll help you too. It’s proper teamwork.”
— Jonathan Brindley, Founder and Director, JBUAS
A 7,500 m² Test and Training Centre
In 2024, JBUAS opened the UK’s first test and training centre dedicated to drone-based geophysical sensors. Located in South Holland (Lincolnshire), the 7,500 m² facility was designed entirely by the JBUAS team. It consists of specialised demonstration and training zones:
- Sand zone with buried utility pipes for GPR testing;
- Terrain-following zone to test UAV altitude control and SkyHub’s TTF capabilities;
- Buried object zone for UXO simulation with various ferrous targets;
- Water pond for echo sounding and sampling demonstrations;
- Laydown area for large metallic targets (magnetometry);
- Obstacle mitigation section simulating tree lines and field barriers;
- The future archaeology section is under development.
To support training and testing year-round, JB UAS also constructed SkyHut, a sheltered operations room equipped with power for UAV batteries, a large TV for live-flight data streaming, and an open-air veranda for observation. The range allows customers to experience the payloads in action before purchasing.
Growth, Recognition, and Sector Influence
Since opening the test centre, JBUAS has seen growing interest in its services and wider use of its expertise across different sectors.
Business Growth
In 2024, JBUAS reported a 20% revenue increase compared to 2023. This was driven by a broader offering of integrated geophysical systems, hands-on training at the company’s test site, and regular live demonstrations. These activities helped build trust with institutional clients and positioned JBUAS more prominently in sectors such as archaeology, heritage, and environmental surveying.
Market Visibility
The test centre became a key demonstration hub for SPH Engineering’s payloads, providing a controlled space for clients to evaluate UAV-based survey methods under realistic conditions. This strengthened JBUAS’s role as a trusted partner and technical reference point within the UK drone market.
Industry Engagement
In parallel, demand for expert support increased. JBUAS was invited to consult on UAV-enabled GPR use by UK police forces, contribute to archaeological surveys using magnetometers, and support heritage investigations, including buried aircraft recovery. While not a commercial service provider, the company continues to run trial projects to help clients assess drone sensor systems before committing to larger investments.
“SPH didn’t just sell me a sensor. They supported me through learning it, testing it, and turning it into a business offering.”
— Jonathan Brindley, Founder and Director, JBUAS