Taking Autonomy Out-of-the-Loop – Novel Methodology for the Development and Automated Operation of UAS in Integrated Airspace

摘要

In this paper, we present a novel methodology for the development and automated operation of unmanned aircraft systems in integrated airspace. An existing CS-23 category airplane is converted into an optionally piloted vehicle with three modes - a conventional manned mode, a surrogate mode with a safety pilot on-board the aircraft and an unmanned mode with remotely controlled and automated phases of flight. Based on the developmental and operational constraints associated with converting an existing aircraft for unmanned operations, a concept of operations is defined. Different types of human operators and operating stations are defined to achieve the proposed concept of operations. The operations are described in the form of standard operating procedures. By establishing exhaustive procedures for the safe conduction of flight in any given flight phase, a robust and reliable automation of flight functions is achieved. The methodology developed in this work can be used both to convert existing aircraft for unmanned operations and also for completely new development projects with human operators in the loop.