Programme Element: ARTES 5.1
Reference nr.: 13.1TT.07
Planned Tender Issue: quarter 4, 2013
Objective: Development of a test bed to support the development of an air interface for UAS Command & Control communications, in line with current EUROCAE WG-73 undertakings.
Targeted Improvements: Establishment of a European air interface for UAS C2, as a counterweight to U.S. initiatives.
Description:
Background information:
It has become clear that ICAO and EASA will not prescribe a detailed air interface for UAS C2 (unlike with current aeronautical communications) but will just certify an UAV C2 standard based on agreed performance requirements.
It is left to industry to define a standard and this is currently underway in EUROCAE WG-73, supported by an ARTES 1 activity. The requirements shall be reasonably clear in the 4Q2012, and the first ideas on candidate waveforms shall be on the table. A test bed supporting the further development of a standard is required.
Starting point:
- Various ITU studies discussing availability/integrity of UAS C2 links.
- Work carried out in Iris-ANTARES.
- THAUMAS work on future SBB evolution.
Justification:
The window of opportunity to propose and standardize an air interface for UAS C2 will be during the next two years. There will be strong U.S. competition that will strive to have a waveform that will only be applicable to FSS frequencies.
The European commercial UAV market is expected to be driven by smaller UAV's which cannot carry complete stabilized Ku/Ka-terminals, therefore waveforms shall be available which also address the lower frequencies with (almost) omni-antenna's and preferable within approved AMS(R)S frequency bands.
Work logic:
- First, discuss with EUROCAE the overall requirements and use of a testbed that can support in trading-off candidate waveforms.
- Specify testbed requirements supporting a balanced trade-off of various proposed waveforms.
- Develop testbed with essential elements (mobility, channel models, banking, interference, security, background traffic, ATC emulators, and other systems aspects).
- In coordination with EUROCAE and EASA organise a test and publicity campaign to obtain support for approval of European proposed waveforms.
|
RSS feed