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UAS Pilot Performance Comparisons with Different Low Size, Weight and Power Sensor RangesThe present study evaluated the performance of UAS pilots under four simulated low size, weight, and power (SwaP) sensor ranges: 1.5nmi, 2.0nmi, 2.5nmi, and 3.0nmi. Nine active-duty UAS pilots responded to scripted DAA conflicts against non-cooperative intruders while flying a simulated RQ-7 Shadow at varied speeds along a pre-filed flight path in Class E airspace. Findings revealed a linear effect of sensor range on alerting time and separation performance, with nearly every DAA well clear (DWC) violation and all Near Mid-Air Collision (NMAC) events occurring below 2.5nmi. Response time differences at these reduced ranges were negligible due to the high frequency of warning-level alerts that require an immediate response. Since caution alert duration was truncated to some degree by each tested declaration range, pilots were often unable to coordinate their avoidance maneuvers with ATC prior to their uploads. Nonetheless, the 2.5nmi range allowed minimum alerting times that were sufficient for acceptable pilot performance. These findings will inform DAA system requirements for UAS with alternative surveillance equipment and aircraft performance capabilities. Implications on DAA display and sensor requirements are discussed.
Document ID
20205007573
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Kevin J Monk
(Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Jillian Keeler
(Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
R Conrad Rorie
(Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Garrett Sadler
(Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Casey Smith
(Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Date Acquired
September 14, 2020
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Meeting Information
Meeting: 39th Digital Avionics Systems Conference 2020
Location: Virtual
Country: US
Start Date: October 11, 2020
End Date: October 16, 2020
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Funding Number(s)
WBS: 425425.04.02.01.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Technical Review
NASA Peer Committee
Keywords
unmanned aircraft systems
detect and avoid
alternative surveillance
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