Unmanned Aircraft Autonomous Flight Plan Deviation via Wireless Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aircraft or spacecraft operating in controlled airspace may face dangerous or emergency situations where the C2 link is unavailable, preventing them from deviating from a cleared flight plan, which is typically managed by a human pilot.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft or spacecraft uses a wireless data link, such as VHF or UHF, to independently communicate with a supervisory authority to request and implement changes to the flight plan, including altitude or course adjustments, even when the C2 link is lost, utilizing a flight management system and autopilot systems to execute changes based on clearance approvals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the C2 link is used to control the unmanned aircraft, then the flight can be monitored and controlled by a remote pilot, but the flight cannot respond independently to dangerous situations when the link is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: the C2 link for normal remote control and the wireless data link for autonomous emergency communication. This segmentation allows the aircraft to maintain independent decision-making capability for safety-critical situations while preserving remote control for routine operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless data link serves as an intermediary communication channel between the aircraft and supervisory authority, independent of the C2 link. This intermediary enables the aircraft to autonomously request and receive clearance for flight plan deviations during emergencies without requiring the primary control link.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the aircraft strictly follows a cleared flight plan, then air traffic control is maintained, but the aircraft cannot deviate to avoid dangerous situations when the C2 link is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft performs self-service by autonomously generating and transmitting clearance requests for flight plan deviations through the wireless data link. The flight management system automatically formulates deviation requests based on sensor-identified dangerous situations, eliminating the need for manual pilot intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless data link system serves multiple functions: it communicates emergency situations, transmits deviation requests, receives clearance approvals, and updates the flight plan. This multi-functional approach enables adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Speed
If manual control is used during emergencies, then flight decisions can be made, but response time is delayed due to human intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting dangerous situations through sensors and pre-formulating clearance requests before pilot intervention is needed. The flight management system is pre-configured to identify deviation requirements and initiate communication through the wireless data link, enabling rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical decision-making process is replaced with an automated electronic system. Sensors, flight management systems, and wireless communication replace the mechanical chain of human perception-decision-action, significantly increasing response speed while maintaining operational simplicity through automated workflows.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an, at least temporarily, unmanned aircraft or spacecraft wherein a flight procedure of the aircraft or spacecraft is carried out in controlled airspace using a previously cleared flight plan, wherein a C2 link is at least temporarily unavailable, and wherein at least one sensor device of the aircraft or spacecraft identifies a dangerous and/or emergency situation which makes it necessary to deviate from the cleared flight plan. To have available a method which makes it possible for an at least temporarily unmanned aircraft or spacecraft to react independently to particular dangerous and/or emergency situations and to avoid damaging events, a control device of the aircraft or spacecraft independently uses a wireless data link to a supervisory authority in order to agree to a changed flight plan containing at least one change.