![]() ![]() The main driving force behind development of BVLOS UAAVs is, of course, cost reduction. We hope you enjoy this article and get ready for this next technological leap. ![]() Our experiments were all executed under FAA rules Part 107 so although they apply to BVLOS flights they were all executed in visual line-of-sight conditions. Then we’ll describe our own experiments using the 4G/LTE network for remote command and control of an UAAV while in visual line-of-sight.Ĭurrently, in the US, one must secure a waiver for flying UAAVs BVLOS. In this article we’ll talk about some of the technical challenges associated with flying UAAVs BVLOS as well as some technological solutions for these problems. With Block 4 software, the unmanned aircraft can fly autonomously in coordinated flights while engaging multiple targets, said Roy Smith, test site manager.Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight: development and challenges of cellular-enabled Unmanned Autonomous Aerial Vehicles (UAAVs)īy Mauricio Andrada and Derek Ohlarik Introductionįor the casual observer fitting UAAVs with cellular capability, allowing them to fly using the mobile network to send data to and receive commands from a remote operator seems to be a simple task some might think it’s as simple as strapping a smartphone to the UAAV or plug a modem to the flight controller.įrom a technological perspective this is not far from the truth but as we all know, the devil is in the details. Devon Christensen, X-45A deputy program manager.Ĭurrently, X-45As can fly autonomously in coordinated flights while engaging one target. The Block 4 software will increase the X-45A's capabilities, said 1st Lt. 9 sortie, testers demonstrated the system's first beyond line-of-sight flight that transferred aircraft control from a pilot at NASA Dryden to another pilot at Boeing's Seattle facility, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency officials said.ĭuring this test, the Seattle pilot sent four airspeed and altitude command changes to the aircraft, all of which were successfully executed, agency officials said.Īlthough the recent flights have been testing Block 3 software, program officials said they expect to receive Block 4 software to begin testing and validating. The two unmanned aircraft remained inside Edwards' airspace during the test, Mr. Kim said.Īlthough the pilot in-theater was located only 100 feet away from the primary ground station at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Dryden facility here, this flight demonstrated the tactical flexibility of a distributed command and control system where control of multiple air vehicles could be passed on to other ground stations, officials said. "Once the planes have been handed off from the primary pilot, the pilot in the area of responsibility or threat area, will manage both aircraft and direct one of them to capture radar images."Īfter maneuvering to capture the images, the pilot in the area of responsibility will transfer command and control of the aircraft back to the primary pilot, Mr. "This demonstration is asking the airplanes to be more tactical," said Sam Kim, test conductor. The line-of-sight flight test is a major milestone in Block 3 software testing geared more toward tactically demonstrating the unmanned aerial vehicle's distributed command and control capabilities, officials said. 9 sortie that transferred control of the aircraft to a control station nearly 900 miles away and back again. (AFPN) - Joint-unmanned-combat-air-systems test team officials here successfully demonstrated a transfer of command and control using line-of-sight capabilities on two unmanned X-45A aircraft Jan. Air Force Flight Test Center Public AffairsĮDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.
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