Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) are among a growing number of new airspace users fulfilling commercial and military roles. As they are currently largely confined to segregated airspace, solutions need to be established that allow full integration of RPAS into non-segregated airspace.
INVIRCAT focused on the integration of RPAS into the existing air traffic control (ATC) procedures and infrastructures within terminal manoeuvring areas (TMA) and airport environments under instrument flight rules (IFR).
The project designed a harmonised concept of operations (ConOps) for full integration of RPAS in TMA environments, complete with air traffic control procedures, flight planning processes, separation requirements, and necessary technological enablers for the new processes. The ConOps takes past and on-going results of relevant activities into account. The project tested and validated the ConOps by means of three real-time simulations involving air traffic controllers and remote pilots, and then used the results of the study to consolidate the ConOps and identify the technical and operational requirements. An impact and effects analysis considered safety, operational efficiency, human performance, equity and capacity. It also took into account key enablers such as the command and control (C2) link, automatic take-off and landing (ATOL), RPAS on-board technologies, voice communication infrastructure (ground-ground), taxi systems, and handover procedures.
The project produced a set of conclusions and recommendations to inform regulators and standards organisations, facilitating the generation of a harmonised approach for the integration of RPAS in the TMA. The stable ConOps, high-level requirements and a reference architecture definition enables seamless RPAS integration, unlocking the potential for global and efficient RPAS operations.
INVIRCAT shows it is possible to integrate different types of RPAS in different types of airspace and at different airports under appropriate conditions considering the local traffic and environment without significant impact on current airspace users.
Benefits
- Efficient RPAS operations
- New business and job opportunities
