GA-ASI tests DAA system aboard UAS
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has successfully tested a Detect and Avoid (DAA) system that includes its Due Regard Radar (DRR) on a Guardian UAS operated by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it announced on 1 June.
The Guardian UAS is a maritime variant of the company's Predator B UAS. The operationally tested DAA also included the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Sensor Tracker specifically designed for the system by Honeywell.
The tests demonstrated the functionality of the DRR in a national/international airspace environment. The system was tested in simulated environments that included 'intruder' aircraft such as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and Cessna C-210 aircraft equipped with TCAS, Mode A/C Transponders and Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder capabilities.
The intruders flew close to the Guardian. During each encounter, the on-board sensor data was downlinked to the pilot traffic display and was combined with DAA-specific alerts and guidance for safe separation between the Guardian and intruder aircraft.
The tests confirmed that the DAA system provided a picture of surrounding air traffic to the pilot that was comparable to the cockpit view on a manned aircraft. They also showed that the DAA can operate with other radar payloads in the same aircraft, such as the SeaVue maritime surface search radar onboard the Guardian.
CBP is the first customer to operationally use the DAA/DRR system from GA-ASI. It operates nine Guardian and Predator B UAS.
David Alexander, president, Aircraft Systems, GA-ASI, said: 'The successful completion of our anti-collision radar system operational testing by CBP is a huge milestone for our DAA system as it represents the first integration and evaluation of DRR on an operational UAS.
'CBP's follow-on operational use of the DAA system in domestic and international airspace will further validate the work being done by the FAA and NASA to introduce RPA into the National Airspace System.'
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
