Ground-Based Command System for sUAS NAS Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) face challenges in integrating safely into the National Airspace System (NAS) due to lack of situational awareness and communication capabilities, leading to potential collisions with other aerial traffic, which limits their expanded employment in domestic and military scenarios.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a ground-based command, control, and communication system that includes a mobile ground control electronic station with integrated software and server components for real-time graphical flight-following information, position tracking, and text messaging capabilities to enhance situational awareness and communication between sUAS operators and air traffic control, leveraging existing aviation technologies to support safe integration into NAS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sUAS operate without ground-based command and control systems, then device complexity is reduced, but situational awareness and collision avoidance capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground-based command and control system as an intermediary between sUAS operators and air traffic control. This intermediary system provides real-time tracking, communication relay, and situational awareness data, enabling sUAS to operate safely in the NAS without requiring complex onboard sensing and decision-making systems.
2Loss of information
If real-time tracking and communication systems are implemented, then situational awareness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-based command and control system leverages existing aviation infrastructure and technologies (such as ADS-B, VHF comms, and existing ATC systems) to provide tracking and communication services. Rather than building entirely new systems, the solution integrates with existing self-service capabilities of the NAS, reducing overall complexity while maintaining situational awareness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sUAS integrate into the National Airspace System, then operational versatility is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The command and control system implements continuous feedback loops between sUAS, ground control, and air traffic control. Real-time position data, flight status information, and communication relays provide ongoing feedback that enables dynamic situational awareness and coordinated collision avoidance, allowing safe integration of sUAS into NAS operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided to support accommodating safe integration of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASs) into the National Airspace Structure in the United States. A specifically-tailored service is provided to address a change of paradigm from aircraft-based avionics/capabilities to a ground-based solution centered on the sUAS control station that is typically employed to manage an sUAS mission and/or flight. Appropriate software, server and system components are integrated into an interactive, easy-to-use, web-based tool that provides interested parties with real-time, graphical flight-following information to acquire position information regarding an sUAS platform from the control console for the sUAS platform. The acquired position information is forwarded to a separate server that can augment and provide graphical display of the sUAS intended route of flight (flight planned route). The acquired position information for the sUAS is converted to a format commonly used by aviation and air traffic control systems.