Innovative Partnership Enhances BVLOS Operations for UAS

A groundbreaking collaboration has emerged between uAvionix adn Iris Automation, aimed at integrating Iris Automation’s Casia G ground-based collision avoidance technology into uAvionix’s SkyLine services. This partnership is set to revolutionize Command and Control (C2) and Detect and Avoid (DAA) capabilities for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).

Transforming low Altitude Airspace Awareness

This integration promises to provide UAS operators with exceptional awareness of low-altitude airspace, coupled with top-tier command and control connectivity, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness for small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS).

understanding Air Traffic Dynamics

Today’s airspace is populated by two categories of aircraft: cooperative and non-cooperative.Cooperative aircraft share their positional data via transponders or Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B), while non-cooperative aircraft do not. uAvionix excels in detecting cooperative aircraft through its advanced ADS-B IN solutions, such as pingRX Pro and pingStation3. Additionally, the SkyLine software enhances UAS operators’ experience by visualizing air traffic data within the first cloud-based C2 network management platform, optimizing communication links and situational awareness for remote operators. The robust uAvionix SkyLine system, which includes airborne radios, ground stations, and DAA sensor data, is integral to two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) BVLOS waivers and a recent exemption granted to uAvionix.

Pioneering Safety in UAS Operations

Since its inception in 2015, Iris Automation has been at the forefront of developing detect and avoid technologies to enhance UAS safety. The Casia system employs computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify non-cooperative intruder aircraft, preventing potential near mid-air collisions (NMAC) by allowing uncrewed aircraft to adjust their flight paths accordingly. The Casia G variant offers extensive coverage that can be expanded indefinitely with additional ground nodes.

Complementary Data for Enhanced Situational Awareness

The data generated by the Casia G system complements the ADS-B data from uAvionix, enabling the validation of cooperative aircraft positions through independent sensors and facilitating the swift identification of non-cooperative aircraft. Together, these systems provide UAS operators with a comprehensive situational awareness that surpasses existing single-sensor systems.

Integrating Advanced Air Traffic Data

this partnership will leverage the capabilities of SkyLine, uAvionix’s Command and Control Communications Service Provider (C2CSP) solution, which utilizes path and frequency diversity to optimize C2 connectivity. By incorporating Casia G data into the SkyLine system, UAS operators will have access to a diverse array of air traffic data from both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft for enhanced DAA functions.

Collaborative Development for Future Readiness

The two companies are actively engaged in integrating Casia G data into the SkyLine service through field tests and operational scenarios. This advanced capability for airspace awareness and command and control is anticipated to be available to UAS operators later this year.

Expert Insights on the Partnership

“The integration of Iris’ Casia G data marks a significant milestone in facilitating scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for UAS operators,” stated christian Ramsey, Managing Director of uAvionix Uncrewed Systems. “With superior range compared to human vision and AI-driven analysis of optical images, the system can quickly detect and classify airborne objects. This data is then integrated with other sensor inputs, including ADS-B, and presented to UAS operators within the SkyLine platform. This innovative approach is crucial for a C2CSP to meet the evolving safety and efficiency demands of UAS operations.”

“We are thrilled about this collaboration. uAvionix has consistently been a leader in our industry,and their ability to merge various technologies to fill longstanding gaps is unparalleled.The combination of reliable C2 communications with comprehensive situational awareness is a logical progression. With our non-cooperative aircraft detection data, operators will gain a complete solution for their BVLOS operations,” added Jon Damush, CEO of Iris Automation.