Intelligent UAS situation awareness and information delivery

A significant impediment to the regular operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in non-segregated civil airspace is the concern surrounding loss of the UAS command and control (C2) data link. While a UAS is typically preprogrammed to behave in a prescribed manner in a “lost link” situation, surrounding pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC) may be unaware of the immediate flight intent of the UAS while it is flying autonomously without C2 link. This makes it difficult or impossible for controllers to predict where the UAS is going and to clear conflicting traffic along the UAS intended course in a timely fashion. This paper describes MITRE's current research investigating autonomous methods for maintaining automated situational awareness onboard the UAS and timely communication from the UAS to ATC, near-by pilots, and other operational personnel during a lost link situation. At MITRE, we have developed a prototype of an onboard UAS Intelligent Analyzer to monitor the state of the UAS during operations, detect link status changes and formulate an appropriate message regarding current flight status and future intent following standardized operational procedures. The message is then converted to a synthesized voice and is available for transmission over internationally recognized aircraft emergency frequencies. This voice message from the UAS without C2 link provides the needed situational awareness to ATC personnel and near-by pilots, and allows for safe and timely response. This prototype has been demonstrated and evaluated in a simulated environment. MITRE believes that an on-board capability to intelligently analyze flight status and develop and initiate appropriate communications in a timely fashion could provide an effective mechanism for ensuring safe UAS operations even in a lost link situation.