Collision Avoidance System by Aerialtronics

Sense and avoid is key tool in the integration of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS).  Incorporating sensor technology on sUAS is incredibly challenging as the overall vehicle weight is typically less than 55 lbs.  Therefore, it is difficult to integrate an exteroceptive sensor that is capable of detecting, sensing, processing, reacting, and avoiding potential threats.  The power requirement and associated proprioceptive sensory equipment necessary to properly design a system most often requires larger vehicles with more capability.  Larger UAS have a larger electrical design infrastructure and can incorporate a variety of sensors to develop an overall sense and avoid solution.  Optical sensors, LiDAR, and Air-to-Air Radar Subsystems (AARSS) are all examples of sensory equipment used on large UAS. 

Aerialtronics has developed a new Collision Avoidance System (CAS) that utilizes a virtual sensor that can build a map of potential obstacles.  The Aerialtronics CAS will be capable of ultra-quick real-time scanning of the Altura multirotor surroundings and detecting obstacles within a predefined safe distance (sUAS News, 2014).  The Aerialtronics product is a plug and play solution that is easily installed in minutes.  This added feature decreases the risk of collision when inspecting telecommunication towers, utility poles and oil rigs, particularly in windy conditions.  Aerialtronics’ sense and avoid solution detects both static and moving objects up to 15 metres away and the four sensors mean the Altura Zenith can locate objects up to a 360° field of view (Aerialtronics, 2015). 

The Zenith with CAS installed relies on ultrasonic technology that determines distance from an object based on how long it takes for a released sound to return.  The operator can specify the safe distance by selecting different modes.  CAS will consist of several unique technologies including various types of state of the art obstacle detection sensors, advanced data fusion algorithms as well as tightly integrated collision avoidance algorithms with guidance, navigation and control system (sUAS News, 2014).  The sensor has two ultrasonic sensors mounted at the end of flexible shaft.  The shaft firmly screws into each end of the quadcopter.  A full 360 degree solution will have four shafts protruding from each arm of the quadcopter. 

  

Aerialtronics plans to take their sense and avoid solution one step further than onboard sensors.  By combining the data from the CAS system with the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), Aerialtronics will build a complete picture of the surroundings the vehicle is operating in.  This integration is an important step to combine ground based sensory with airborne sensory for a refined air picture.  By connecting ITS data to CAS, Altura systems will be capable of foreseeing danger and responding in a timelier manner, ultimately making airspace safer and more accessible (sUAS News, 2014).

sUAS integration into the NAS will require a sense and avoid solution that will bring confidence to the public in regards to safe and responsible operations.  The CAS solution proposed by Aerialtronics combined with ITS will create an air picture that allows the aircraft to operate seamlessly within a fluid environment.      

Aerialtronics (2015, February 2).  Aerialtronics Adds Sense and Avoid Technology to Zenith UAS.  Retrieved from http://www.aerialtronics.com/2016/02/aerialtronics-adds-sense-and-avoid-technology-to-zenith-uas/

sUAS News (2014, September 2).   Aerialtronics Improves Safety by Incorporating Sense and Avoid.  Retrieved from  http://www.suasnews.com/2014/09/aerialtronics-revolutionarily-improves-safety-by-incorporating-sense-and-avoid/