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Comparative Analysis of Airspace System Accessibility for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems for Regional OperationsAs part of newly developing aviation markets, fixed-wing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are projected to impact airspace systems and conventional air traffic in the future. The initial introduction of fixed-wing cargo UAS for regional operations is anticipated to occur at smaller underutilized airports. Therefore, this paper assesses the integration potential of regional fixed-wing cargo UAS into the airspace system. A baseline is established to identify potential airports for UAS operations in different areas. Additionally, using 2022 data, regional aircraft eligible for future cargo UAS operations are investigated. Finally, the accessibility of these regional aircraft at the identified airports was analyzed. Based on the availability of current certified landing systems needed for initial UAS operations, the potential airports for UAS operations are compared in the areas of Germany, Texas, and California. Despite 173 identified airports for potential UAS operations in Germany, 376 in Texas, and 227 in California, only eleven of these airports provide current certified landing systems needed for initial UAS operations. However, other landing system technologies that are currently under development, such as vision-based landing systems, might support UAS accessibility at the identified airports for potential UAS operations in the future.
Document ID
20230010604
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tim Felix Sievers
(German Aerospace Center Cologne, Germany)
Jordan A Sakakeeny
(Ames Research Center Mountain View, California, United States)
Nadezhda Dimitrova
(American Systems (United States) Chantilly, Virginia, United States)
Husni Idris
(Engility (United States) Chantilly, Virginia, United States)
Date Acquired
July 19, 2023
Subject Category
Air Transportation and Safety
Meeting Information
Meeting: Digital Avionics Systems Conference
Location: Barcelona
Country: ES
Start Date: October 1, 2023
End Date: October 5, 2023
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: 80ARC018D0008
PROJECT: 629660
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Portions of document may include copyright protected material.
Technical Review
NASA Technical Management
Keywords
regional airport
air cargo
regional aircraft
regional air mobility
UAS
Uncrewed aircraft systems
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