Compact Non-Cooperative Collision-Avoidance Kit for Tactical UAS
Navy SBIR FY2015.1


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1
Topic No.: N151-026
Topic Title: Compact Non-Cooperative Collision-Avoidance Kit for Tactical UAS
Proposal No.: N151-026-0360
Firm: Scientific Applications & Research Assoc., Inc.
6300 Gateway Dr.
Cypress, California 90630
Contact: Jesse Klang
Phone: (714) 224-4410
Abstract: SARA's Passive Acoustic Non-cooperative Aircraft Motion Analyzer, PANAMA, is a high-performance, low SWaP collision avoidance system. SARA has over 15 years of experience designing acoustic sense and avoid systems for UAS. Our hardware has been extensively flight tested on Group 1 and 2 UAS in relevant environments. These systems can detect intruding aircraft from sufficient ranges and provide suggested maneuvers to UAS pilots with adequate warning time. We have recently identified a novel set of algorithms which allow us to not only detect aircraft but also to track their position using our existing UAS mounted microphone array. The tracking capability provided allows for more advanced collision prediction and enables advanced definitions of `well clear.' We plan to rapidly mature our new tracking algorithms, quickly bringing PANAMA to a high TRL in the Phase I and II SBIR programs. PANAMA is an all-weather system, which outperforms electro-optic solutions, and is superior to radar in size, weight, power and cost. PANAMA will enable Navy UAS operations, and strengthen the safety case for UAS operation in the national airspace system.
Benefits: SARA's PANAMA system will provide UAS operators with the situational awareness necessary to safely operate within the national airspace system. The Navy UAS fleet, when equipped with PANAMA, will realize improved mission capability and fewer safety incidents. We anticipate the largest markets to be civilian. It is almost certain that when the FAA releases regulations, they will require all UAS to have a sensor system capable of detecting nearby aircraft, which may be non-cooperative and/or not advertising their location. PANAMA is able to detect and track such threats in all flight weather conditions, using a small, light-weight array of microphones. PANAMA will be a milestone demonstrator technology that will demonstrate to the FAA a safe example of beyond-line-of-sight UAS operation. Commercial uses include firefighting, crowd monitoring and infrastructure surveying. Amazon has expressed a desire to even use UAS to deliver packages. As private companies begin operating UAS in the national airspace, PANAMA will be onboard to keep our airspace safe for everybody.

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