Sagetech Avionics has successfully integrated its ACAS X-based Detect and Avoid (DAA) system with the Elsight Halo drone connectivity platform.
This integration is designed for aircraft seeking type certification/airworthiness with beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) concept operations (CONOPS). Collaborating on an ACAS X-based DAA system with Elsight around customer requirements aims to create a faster, more reliable, certifiable solution.
Remotely piloted aircraft require secure and reliable connectivity to enable BVLOS operations. Sagetech’s Airborne Detect and Avoid solution will require a robust CNPC (Command Non-Payload Communication) link to reliably relay ACAS X alerting and guidance to the remote pilot, and to transmit the pilot’s avoidance maneuver up to the aircraft.
The complement of these systems to each other is dependent on the reliability of the communication link, making it a critical enabler for safer skies.
The Elsight Halo product fulfills this need for secure connectivity and is used by many of Sagetech’s current customers today. The Halo is the first AI-powered connectivity solution for uncrewed vehicles, guaranteeing constant uptime and connection between drones and ground control stations. This integration with Sagetech’s ACAS X-based DAA system offers customers a low SWaP solution and simple integration.
The DAA/ACAS integration with the Halo tests included multiple flights to gather data and validate the technology needed to safeguard future BVLOS missions. Data gathered was shared with the FAA’s TCAS Program Office for validating the models used to create the ACAS X collision avoidance algorithms. These successful tests were completed earlier this year on an aircraft seeking type certification.
Sagetech will continue to evolve the ACAS X-based DAA system — adding more sensor options to detect non-cooperative intruders and integrating with more common autopilots for issuing autonomous collision avoidance maneuvers.
Sagetech’s DAA System will be the most advanced, low SWAP, and certifiable onboard DAA system for any crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The system is at the center of their innovation hub that will enable OEMs all over the world to plug and play for optimum safety and visibility for BVLOS flight.
Wes Shover, Sagetech Avionics’ Director of Sales & Channel, highlights the importance of this integration, “One of the critical elements of a safe, reliable, and certifiable remotely piloted aircraft is the command and control link between the aircraft and ground control station.
“Our mutual customers can now trust that the collision avoidance maneuvers prescribed by ACAS X will be sent to the pilot in command over a secure and robust network, as the Halo may serve as the primary or secondary communications link.
“Sagetech has always been keenly focused on bringing industry-leading airborne safety solutions to our customers to enable safer skies, and our ACAS X solution integrated with the Elsight Halo represents the latest demonstration of that commitment.”
