UAS Beyond Line of Sight Operations

UAS Beyond Line of Sight Operations

Simona Teodorovic

June, 2018

An important step to integrating Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) into the National Airspace System (NAS) is allowing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to fly Beyond the Line of Sight Operations (BLOS). This calls for a safe integration of all the additional equipment, communication between operators and Air Traffic Control (ATC) and following all procedures and regulations. In addition, a major issue for safe commercial UAS operations is complying with the detect, sense and avoid principle and requirement.

Defined by the United States Department of the Interior (2016), the Pulse Vapor 55 is an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), converted from a tactical helicopter. It is able to carry greater payloads, up to 24 lbs. To be precise, the payload incorporates a system for light detection and ranging (LiDAR) imagery and the newest solutions for electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors (Pulse Aerospace, 2018).

Even though different from a multirotor system, the Pulse Vapor is also far from the likes of a military system, e.g. MQ-9 Reaper. However, the supporting systems allows it to fly BLOS. The reliable communication links between its Ground Control Station (GCS) and the vehicle support the previously mentioned operations. The GCS consists out of a touchscreen managed by the operator. It does not require any additional personnel, although the assistance of another operator has proven efficient. Many of the systems flight controls are preprogrammed, but with the use of the GCS, it is possible to allow the users to perform custom modifications and input data.

Even though the system is similar to one that is flown within Line of Sight (LOS), it is flexible and effortless in switching between the two methods. Due to the size of the vehicle and the limit of its payload, operators are able to transition smoothly. This could be considered a great advantage. Although this may be true, the operators situation awareness could distorted. Endsley (1995) defines situation awareness through three levels: (1) the perception of the essential features in the environment; (2) the comprehension of the situation in that given moment; and (3) the projection of foreseeable condition. Applying these definitions to an operator managing an UAS from a GCS, we might say that BLOS allows for more precision and accurate data awareness.

Furthermore, a crucial human factor that increases while operating from a touchscreen is workload. Additional parameters, such as altitude, attitude, airspeed and the high-level velocity commands contribute to an overload situation. Consequently, the position of the screen may also affect the operators work environment (Fostervold, Aaras, & Lie, 2006).

Operating an UAS poses as a stressful task, whether it be LOS or BLOS. It is a challenge for the cognitive domain and designing a better “human-centered system” can greatly surmount behavioral issues related to the operators’ performance (Mouloua, Gilson & Hancock, 2003).  

The Pulse Vapor or any system similar to it, is one worth considering for implementation into the private sectors for commercial use. Of course, many conditions need to be complied with, prior to this action. Although we have seen progress with numerous UASs, integrating detect and avoid, improving the technology that allows BLOS and airworthiness, the UAS industry is still abiding to any and all regulations enforced by the authorities.

References

Endsley, M. R. (2015). Situation awareness misconceptions and misunderstandings.  Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making, 9, 4-32, doi:10.1177/1555343415572631

Fostervold, K. I., Aaras, A., & Lie, I. (2006). Work with visual display units: Long-term health effect of high and downward line-of-sight in ordinary office environments. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 36, 331-343. doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2005.05.003

Mouloua, M., Gilson, R., & Hancock, P. (2003). Human-centered design of unmanned aerial vehicles. Ergonomics in Design: The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications, 11(1), 6-11. doi:10.1177/106480460301100103

Pulse Aerospace Specifications. (2018, June 24). Retrieved from http://www.pulseaero.com/uas-products/vapor-55

United States Department of the Interior (2016). Pulse Vapor 55TM Helicopter. Retrieved from https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/Pulse%20Vapor%2055TM%20Helicopter%20Data%20Sheet.pdf