Fast Time and Real Time Validation of a Remain Well Clear Function for Airspace Classes D to G

A relevant step in the full seamless integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in unsegregated airspace is the development of a Detect-And-Avoid (DAA) system that supports their insertion in airspace classes D to G, where the interaction of RPAS with aircraft flying Visual Flight Rules, possibly not transponder equipped, poses major challenges. These challenges mainly arise from the need to assure a level of safety, specifically against the risk of Mid-Air Collision events, as high as that currently characterising manned civil and commercial aviation. While a DAA system last resort is represented by the Collision Avoidance component, the Remain-Well-Clear (RWC) component acts as a Decision Support System to assist the Remote Pilot in preventing collision hazards. This paper discusses the results of fast-time and real-time simulations performed to validate a prototype RWC system for RPAS integration in European airspace classes D to G. The RWC functional and operational context was defined. Fast-time simulations were used to tune RWC system parameters such as the quantification of the well-clear volume and the time-to-alert. Real-time simulations evaluated how acceptable RWC functionality was for remote pilots and air traffic controllers. Future research activities are also proposed.