TRL1
This page introduces the first level of the Technology Readiness Level scale and provides a common entry point for the TRL 1 documentation of the Collaborative Bee projects.
Purpose of this page
This page defines the meaning of Technology Readiness Level 1 (TRL 1) and explains how it is used within the Collaborative Bee project framework.
It is intended to provide a shared reference before accessing the project-specific TRL 1 pages:
| Project | TRL 1 page | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-Bee | TRL 1 – Mini-Bee | Hybrid VTOL multicopter concept for humanitarian and emergency missions. |
| Bee Plane | TRL 1 – Bee Plane | Early-stage aircraft concept developed within the Collaborative Bee framework. |
| Iso-Plane | TRL 1 – Iso-Plane | Early-stage aircraft concept based on specific technical and operational assumptions. |
What are Technology Readiness Levels?
Technology Readiness Levels are a structured scale used to assess the maturity of a technology.
They help project teams, contributors, partners and stakeholders understand whether a technology is still at the stage of scientific observation, concept formulation, prototype development, validation, qualification or operational use.
TRLs are useful for:
- structuring research and development activities;
- clarifying the maturity of each project;
- supporting technical reviews;
- preparing industrial development roadmaps;
- improving communication with academic, industrial and institutional partners;
- anticipating certification and validation work.
TRL scale overview
| Level | Name | General meaning |
|---|---|---|
| TRL 1 | Basic principles observed | Scientific or technical principles are identified. |
| TRL 2 | Technology concept formulated | A possible application is described. |
| TRL 3 | Experimental proof of concept | First analytical or experimental evidence supports the concept. |
| TRL 4 | Technology validated in laboratory | Key functions are validated in a controlled environment. |
| TRL 5 | Technology validated in relevant environment | The technology is tested in conditions closer to real use. |
| TRL 6 | Technology demonstrated in relevant environment | A representative prototype demonstrates the main functions. |
| TRL 7 | System prototype demonstrated in operational environment | A prototype is demonstrated in realistic operational conditions. |
| TRL 8 | System complete and qualified | The system is completed, tested and qualified. |
| TRL 9 | Actual system proven in operational use | The technology is proven through real operational use. |
Definition of TRL 1
TRL 1 – Basic Principles Observed is the first maturity level of a technology project.
At this stage, the objective is to identify the scientific, physical, technical or operational principles that may support a future concept.
TRL 1 does not mean that a product, prototype or complete architecture already exists. It means that the first technical foundations have been identified and can be documented.
TRL 1 within Collaborative Bee projects
Within the Collaborative Bee framework, TRL 1 is used to document the starting point of each project in a consistent and reusable way.
For each project, TRL 1 should clarify:
- the mission or need addressed by the project;
- the basic principles that justify the concept;
- the initial assumptions;
- comparable technologies or references;
- the main uncertainties;
- the first technical and operational risks;
- the questions that must be answered before moving to TRL 2.
This approach helps create continuity between academic, industrial and individual contributors.
Expected outputs at TRL 1
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
| Mission statement | First description of the operational need or opportunity addressed by the project. |
| Basic principles note | Identification of the main scientific or technical principles supporting the idea. |
| Initial assumptions | Early assumptions about the system, mission, environment, energy, structure or operation. |
| Reference technologies | First list of comparable systems, technologies, publications or existing projects. |
| Open questions | Main questions that must be studied before formulating a complete concept. |
| Initial risk list | First identification of technical, safety, operational, regulatory or industrial risks. |
What is not expected at TRL 1
At TRL 1, the following items are normally not yet required:
- a final design;
- a detailed system architecture;
- a prototype;
- validated performance data;
- laboratory test results;
- certification compliance evidence;
- industrialization planning;
- operational procedures.
These elements are progressively developed at higher TRL levels.
TRL 1 exit criteria
A project may move from TRL 1 to TRL 2 when the following criteria are sufficiently documented:
| # | Criterion | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The basic principles have been identified. | To be assessed |
| 2 | A possible application has been described. | To be assessed |
| 3 | The initial assumptions are documented. | To be assessed |
| 4 | The main uncertainties and risks are listed. | To be assessed |
| 5 | A first concept direction can be formulated. | To be assessed |
Recommended structure for project-specific TRL 1 pages
Each project-specific TRL 1 page should follow a common structure to ensure clarity and comparability across projects.
Recommended structure:
- Project overview
- Mission or need
- Basic principles observed
- Initial technical assumptions
- Comparable technologies or references
- Main opportunities
- Main uncertainties
- Initial risks
- Questions to solve before TRL 2
- Contributors and references
Project access
| Project | Access | Objective of the TRL 1 page |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-Bee | Open page | Document the basic principles behind the hybrid VTOL multicopter concept. |
| Bee Plane | Open page | Document the first principles and assumptions behind the Bee Plane concept. |
| Iso-Plane | Open page | Document the first principles and assumptions behind the Iso-Plane concept. |
Summary
TRL 1 is the foundation level of a technology project.
It provides a structured starting point before the project moves toward a formulated concept. Its role is to document the first principles, the initial assumptions and the key questions that will guide the next stages of development.
Next step: once TRL 1 is sufficiently documented, the project may progress toward TRL 2 – Technology Concept Formulated.