General Autonomics Successfully Tests SAA System Components  

Photo Courtesy of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc

By Ashley Addington



General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced that they have completed the first round of its planned flight tests for sense-and-avoid architecture and self-separation functionality. 



This flight marks the first time a system has completely operated solely on its own for vision and avoidance of objects and other aircraft that crossed its path in preparation for a Due Regard capability, according to a company press release.  



The test’s goal was to be able to synchronize the BAE Systems AD/DPX-7 Identification Friend or Foe transponder with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) IN; GA-ASI’s air-to-air radar, called Due Regard Radar; and Honeywell’s Traffic Alert Collision Avoidance System TPA-100 to track and monitor any aircraft also in flight and their response to the system. 



“We are working closely with the FAA, NASA, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and our industry alliances to advance the safe and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems into domestic and international airspace,” said Frank W. Pace, president of General Atomics’ Aircraft Systems Group, in a press release. “Our sense-and-avoid capability is a key part of that goal, and we continue to make ongoing progress towards this end.” 



Throughout the flight, the system tracked more than 40 scripted encounters, including some that were not tracked by air traffic control. This information will be used by the Federal Aviation Administration to fine tune algorithms used for collision-avoidance software.  



The flights occurred during between 18-20 Nov. at GA-ASI’s Gray Butte Flight Operations Facility in Palmdale, Calif, on a company-owned Predator B.