The critical impact of remote pilot modelling in evaluation of detect-and-avoid systems explained for ACAS Xu

Abstract

Detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) can provide remain well clear (RWC) guidance as well as shorter term resolution advisories (RAs) for collision avoidance, which are both provided in the vertical and horizontal planes. Simulation-based studies for large sets of encounter scenarios are used in the development and evaluation of DAA systems, which encompass safety and operational acceptability of the DAA supported operations. Given the key role of the remote pilot (RP) in responding to RWC guidance and RAs, a RP model is an essential element in such simulations. This paper describes the development of a RP model for evaluation of encounter scenarios involving the ACAS Xu DAA system. The model describes RP situation awareness (perception, comprehension, projection) as basis for decision-making, modes for responding to RAs and/or RWC guidance, response delays, response strengths, and the flight control actions. The RP model includes deterministic and stochastic settings. It is integrated in a simulation environment for encounters of manned and/or unmanned aircraft, the involved DAA and airborne collision avoidance systems, the surveillance and communication systems, and the human operators. Simulation results are provided for a set of encounters between pairs of RPAS both having ACAS Xu for various configurations of the RP model, and for cases with and without sensor errors. The results show that there can be large differences between the results of deterministic and Monte Carlo simulations, indicating that limited sensor errors can have a large impact on the nonlinear system dynamics. Furthermore it is shown that deadlock conditions can exist where the RPAS show oscillatory behaviour and do not manage to effectively pass each other, dependent on the encounter geometry and RP model settings. It is advised to perform a broad sensitively study for RP performance and to study extending the scope of DAA systems to include guidance for efficiently returning to mission without triggering new conflicts.