Mon, Feb 27, 2012
Supports Sense-and-Avoid Architecture, Sets Stage for Unmanned
Aircraft Tests
UAS and radar system manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical
Systems has successfully demonstrated an early prototype of its Due
Regard Radar on a manned aircraft. The Due Regard Radar is a
company-funded system that supports GA-ASI’s overall
radar-based airborne sense-and-avoid architecture for its Predator
B UAS.
Twin Otter File Photo
“The successful demonstration of our Due Regard Radar
represents a major milestone in the development of the
company’s airborne sense-and-avoid radar architecture,”
said Linden Blue, president, Reconnaissance Systems Group,
GA-ASI. “Equipping a highly reliable UAS such as Predator B
with this capability will expand its capacity to operate routinely
in domestic and international airspace, ensuring its
interoperability with civilian air traffic and airspace rules and
regulations.”
Installed on a surrogate Twin Otter aircraft, the Due Regard
Radar’s first successful flight test occurred October 17,
2011 in California off the coast of San Diego and in Borrego
Springs. During the test, the radar system, which is based upon an
Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, successfully
detected “intruder” King Air aircraft encroaching upon
the Twin Otter’s airspace. The purpose of the test was to
collect data for algorithm development, laying the groundwork for
additional manned flight testing.
Following the completion of manned flight tests, testing will
begin on unmanned aircraft. Development work will continue until
the radar has achieved a technology readiness level of 7,
tentatively setting the stage for customer introduction in 2015.
Long-term plans include rolling out the capability to other
aircraft in the Predator/Gray Eagle UAS family.
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