A Deep Dive into Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems
In the rapidly advancing realm of drone operations, the ability to navigate beyond the line of sight (BVLOS) presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges. The safety of people, property, and the unmanned aircraft itself is of utmost importance, necessitating innovative solutions for flight safety and risk mitigation.
Traditionally, most BVLOS operations have relied on vigilant visual observers (VOs) who scan the skies for potential obstacles and hazards. However, this human-centric approach can be resource-intensive and limited in terms of continuous monitoring. The solution? AI-powered Detect and Avoid (DAA) Technology.
Understanding Detect and Avoid (DAA) Systems
Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems enable operators to sense and avoid other aircraft and obstacles autonomously. These systems use sensors, such as radar, acoustic, and visual, to detect and avoid obstacles in the airspace. With DAA technology, drones can operate safely beyond the visual line of sight, expanding their range of capabilities and applications.
However, not all DAA systems are created equal. Some are designed to support cooperative aircraft, whose real-time location and trajectory are known and can be displayed. Others are designed to detect non-cooperative flights, which lack such systems and pose a significant challenge.
Introducing Casia G: A Groundbreaking DAA System
Iris Automation’s Casia G is a ground-based surveillance system that leverages optical vision to continuously monitor airspace and ensure UAS operations are safe from intruder aircraft. The system provides a full optical, 360° field of view for detecting and alerting to any cooperative or non-cooperative aircraft within a 2 km radius of the sensor’s location.
Casia G is particularly beneficial for autonomous BVLOS drone-in-a-box operations. It preserves the Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) of the aircraft, does not require complex integration into the flight control system, and provides the necessary airspace visualization. Its monitoring range can be expanded by adding additional units to form a network of detection nodes and a mesh.
Integration with FlytBase for Safe Remote Drone Operations
FlytBase, an enterprise software platform, facilitates fully automated BVLOS operations using drone-in-a-box systems from remote command centers. By integrating with the Casia G system, the FlytBase dashboard provides real-time data on intrusive aircraft, including type, live telemetry, and location on the map. Remote drone operators can monitor the status and radius of the Casia G sensor and receive immediate alerts if unauthorized aircraft are detected within their operating area.
The Future of DAA Systems
While human visual observers remain important, technological solutions offer scalability and significant advantages. Cameras, sensors, and advanced safety technologies provide higher accuracy, continuous monitoring, and real-time responses, enhancing the safety of drone operations and opening doors to more advanced applications in the future.
Continued innovation and advancement in DAA technology are going to be essential for handling complex situations effectively and mitigating risks and safely integrating drones into the world’s third dimension.
