The Unmanned Systems Research and Technology Center (USRTC) at LONGBOW FORT MONROE has adopted the IRIS Terminal from Kongsberg Geospatial to enhance situational awareness across multiple domains for unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations.
At LONGBOW FORT MONROE,the USRTC is actively assessing and integrating Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and drone detection technologies. This initiative aims to create a foundational concept for a locally integrated UTM solution tailored for the Hampton Roads area, focusing on the oversight of both aerial and surface unmanned traffic.
Kongsberg emphasizes that the cornerstone of secure operations lies in real-time situational awareness encompassing both air and surface environments. Plans are in place for Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) flights connecting Fort Monroe and NASA Langley Research Center (larc). These flights are intended to validate the necessary system performance for initiating maritime surveillance operations. Anticipated BVLOS flights are set for 2023, with various levels of flight testing currently in progress.
The second-generation IRIS Terminal has been specifically designed for the enterprise UAS sector, facilitating the visualization of airspace traffic and enabling autonomous control of uncrewed systems through its Ground Control Station (GCS) format.
IRIS Terminal provides a comprehensive visualization of ownship,cooperative,and non-cooperative traffic in various viewing configurations. It also includes valuable features such as Detect and Avoid (DAA) sensor footprints, terrain awareness, and potential conflict alerts.
In scenarios where a single aircraft generates multiple tracks (one for each sensor), the ‘smart correlator’ feature of IRIS terminal consolidates these tracks into a single representation, ensuring a streamlined user interface that allows operators to concentrate on their tasks without distraction.
This innovative terminal is tailored for government entities, UAS testing facilities, and organizations aiming to implement BVLOS operations safely and effectively. It integrates public airspace data, including Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), and approvals embedded in the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) and other regional UTM frameworks.
“We are excited to collaborate with a distinguished testing and range facility like LONGBOW FORT MONROE USRTC,” stated Jordan Freed, President of Kongsberg geospatial. “This facility leverages its expertise in multi-domain operations, a rare focus in the industry. At Kongsberg Geospatial, we have developed cutting-edge technology for sensor integration and airspace awareness, laying a strong foundation for our partnership.”
“Accomplished BVLOS unmanned flight operations demand top-tier equipment and technology,” remarked Ken Dudley, CTO of Longbow. “Kongsberg Geospatial offers what we consider a notable enhancement to air and maritime situational awareness,thereby greatly improving safety.”
