SAFETY IN THE SKIES


and avoid” in the NAS; previous certifi- cates required either a ground observer or chase plane.


Te prototype system employed a “safe state” concept. In essence, the GBSAA system monitored a volume of airspace in which the UAS would be operating. If other aircraft entered that airspace, the UAS was required to land or remain in restricted airspace until that airspace was clear. Te prototype “safe state” GBSAA system enabled—for the first time—an unmanned aircraft to fly at night in the NAS without a visual observer or chase plane. Tis system provided an invaluable and unprecedented opportunity to vet both sense and avoid technology and the processes for FAA and Army approval of a sense and avoid system.


After prototype testing concluded, the Army stood up a GBSAA testbed at Dug- way Proving Ground, UT, to perform system development of more advanced GBSAA systems in restricted airspace.


Te current system under development, referred to as Phase 2 Block 0, allows the UAS to maneuver with other aircraft in the NAS, versus requiring UAS to retreat to a safe state. Tis increases operational time and works in conjunction with existing air traffic control procedures.


ENSURING AIRWORTHINESS As GBSAA is a new technology, there are challenges in establishing how to certify such a system. Tese challenges are exacerbated because the system’s airworthiness is evaluated by the Army, but the system will operate in the NAS, which is the FAA’s jurisdiction. Coor- dination is


critical to the implementation of GBSAA.


Te Army’s airworthiness authority, the Aviation Engineering Directorate


64 Army AL&T Magazine January–March 2013 successful


FIGURE 1


SURVEILLANCE VOLUME


Aircraft Aircra Ai aft


OPERATIONAL VOLUME


Air Aircr


Sensor 1 (Organic)


Sensor N (Organic)


UA GBSAA


Sense Aircraft Fuse Draft Assess Intruder Classify Tracks Determine Maneuvers


External Interfaces GBSAA Operator


Inform Operations Store Data Monitor System Health and Integrity


Traffic Display Alert Display


Aircraft Operator (Separate Display)


Sensor M (Inorganic)


Ground Control Station


Ai aft raft


Telementry/ Commands


rcraftrcraf UA U UA UA


RESTRICTED AIRSPACE


GBSAA ARCHITECTURE


The GBSAA system uses ground-based sensors and processing to meet the Federal Aviation Administration mandate for all aircraft that operate in the National Airspace System to “see and avoid” other aircraft. (SOURCE: Unmanned Systems Airspace Integration Concepts Product Office, PEO Aviation)


BECAUSE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT DO NOT HAVE AN ONBOARD PILOT TO PERFORM THIS FUNCTION, ALTERNATE MEANS OF


COMPLIANCE ARE GBSAA PROVIDES THIS COMPLIANCE.


NECESSARY.


UA Data Voice Comms


Sensor Data


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