What innovative solutions will Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory pioneer next?
In October, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) embarked on a crucial mission to develop a detect-and-avoid (DAA) system for long-duration unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This mission, funded by an Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Part II contract, aims to develop a system with broad applications for both military and civilian use. Vigilant Aerospace’s innovative solution, FlightHorizon PILOT, effectively enhances airspace safety and security for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations.
The Mission and Expertise
The primary objective of the mission is to develop a sophisticated detect-and-avoid capability for an existing long-endurance, Group V unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform, enabling elevated situational awareness and pilot-in-the-loop operations from higher altitudes. This integration leverages cutting-edge C-SWaP sensors and sensor fusion software to enhance overall UAS performance.
Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace, remarked that their FlightHorizon system, originally designed by NASA for its plane monitoring and UAS security needs, has been adapted for the business market. This alternative enables us to build upon our existing products and expertise, leveraging our significant investment in multi-sensor integration and algorithms to swiftly meet AFRL mission objectives and deliver new capabilities to the US Air Force?
Flight Horizon’s PILOT is a cutting-edge onboard detect-and-avoid system designed specifically for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system utilizes real-time sensor data to identify nearby aircraft and provides crucial guidance for evasive maneuvers, ensuring safe separation from potentially hazardous proximity. The instructions conform to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) X collision avoidance requirements. The system also provides airside visitors alerts and situational awareness to remote pilots. Designed to transcend platform boundaries, this system’s versatility enables seamless integration onto diverse military and civilian aircraft, accommodating various sensor configurations. Compliant with RTCA DO-365C and DO-366 standards, this solution boasts widespread adaptability.
Progress and Achievements
Significant advancements have been achieved in developing and validating the FlightHorizon PILOT system. The system has been thoroughly scrutinized utilizing multiple radar systems functioning in tandem. This innovation enables efficient air traffic surveillance, satisfying the precise technological standards required for onboard detect-and-avoid capabilities. Radar frequency channelization has been investigated to enable multiple radar systems to operate harmoniously without interference.
The system seamlessly integrates with numerous floor management stations (GCS), leveraging the power of Ardupilot’s open-source software, as well as other widely utilized methodologies. Vigilant Aerospace has successfully deployed its software programme across diverse low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) computer systems, ensuring seamless installation on a wide range of aircraft. The system’s versatility enables it to operate effectively in either “pilot-in-the-loop” or “pilot-on-the-loop” modes, thereby ensuring adaptability and efficiency in command execution.
The U.S. Army’s Interest in Developing Detect-and-Deter Techniques
Detect-and-avoid expertise is crucial for the effective deployment of hundreds of autonomous vehicles and aircraft by the military. The US Army currently employs over 11,000 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for training and overseas operations. The drones that comprise this fleet span a vast range in size, from the diminutive RQ-11B Raven to the colossal RQ/MQ-4 International Hawk/Triton aircraft. Currently, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) must obtain a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate in civilian airspace.
Detective algorithms integrated in advanced systems like FlightHorizon’s PILOT enable more effective collision avoidance, foster greater autonomy, and provide elevated situational awareness. Enhanced integration with civilian air site visitors management enables swifter authorizations and ensures safer transit operations. The increased integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into nationwide airspace can significantly enhance the United States’ competitive edge.
Epperson underscored the imperative nature of this endeavour, emphasizing that “this mission represents a crucial stepping stone for fully integrating Flight Horizon into a broader range of aircraft, thereby paving the way for widespread business adoption and deployment of this technology in the years to come.” The partnership has also yielded substantial returns, thanks in part to the support of the Small Business Administration, the Air Force, and the Air Force Research Laboratory.
Future Implications and Civilian Functions
The past aspirations of military aviation suggest that the successful deployment of the Flight Horizon Pilot could ultimately benefit the civilian Superior Air Mobility (AAM) industry. By 2030, the aviation industry is expected to see a significant surge in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with an estimated 2,000 units on the market. This number is projected to more than quadruple by 2050, reaching a total of approximately 33,000 eVTOL vehicles. Companies such as Archer Aviation are poised to deliver approximately 650 aircraft annually.
Epperson remarked that this mission would grant Vigilant the perception and experience necessary to integrate its dual-use product into various aircraft techniques and floor management stations, thereby enhancing the provision of this critical security system not only to multiple military customers but also positioning the company to meet anticipated demand from the civilian Superior Air Mobility sector.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Air Pressure Analysis Laboratory serves as the initial scientific analysis and improvement center for the Department of the Air Force, providing groundbreaking research and innovative solutions to advance air power capabilities. The organization plays a crucial role in developing cost-effective combat technologies for the air, space, and cyber forces.
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