SBIR-STTR Award

UAV usage has proliferated in the US national airspace, and there is a requirement for UAVs to be able to alert proximal traffic about their presence and intent. We propose the development of a miniature VHF radio annunciator that broadcasts simple position, status and intent messages using standard air traffic terminology. These messages can be readily heard by local air traffic and controllers using current (legacy) VHF airband communication radios, thus enhancing the overall safety of the system. Also, a ground-based annunciator is proposed, which can be used to meet ground-node requirements of the FAA's RemoteID rules for FAA Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). In Phase I, we will develop and demonstrate these devices, further refining proof-of-concept hardware built and tested in 2020. In Phase II, the design will be refined and prototyped, and comprehensive flight testing will be undertaken. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): NASA conducts tests of UAV technology which involve routine flights of UAVs. The proposed automated airband radio (AAR) can be used to enhance the safety of such operations. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): The automated airband radio can be used for all sizes of UAVs, emerging urban air mobility vehicles, and civil and military aircraft. It can be used to reduce overall pilot workload, and serve as a backup during emergencies where the pilot may be incapacitated. Duration: 6

KalScott has developed a unique system for improving the safety of unmanned air vehicles and air taxis (aka Advanced Air Mobility, ot AAM vehicles). This is a hardware/software solution which can transmit alerting messages about UAV operations in legacy VHF airband communication protocol so that the alert can be heard and understood readily by human pilots and air traffic controllers. In effect, this Automated Airband Radio (AAR) is a bridge between legacy (VHF) and emergent communication protocols (like WiFi, 4G/LTE, 5G, etc). In Phase I, KalScott Engineering demonstrated proof-of-concept hardware in ground and flight testing. The system is based on a software-defined radio (SDR). Onboard is a processor which can take input from a GPS unit, co-relate that position on an aviation sectional chart, select the appropriate frequency for the airspace and compile the appropriate message. This is then broadcast over VHF. In Phase I, VHF transmissions from the SDR-based Automated Airband Radio were received and understood by human pilots at ranges from 0 to 8 nm, at altitudes from 0 to 4000 ft AGL. Both air-to-ground and ground-to-air tests were completed successfully. This therefore is a "gap filler" technology that can be used for high density, low altitude UAV and AAM operations, by providing alerting messages to proximal manned traffic. In Phase II, two rounds of prototype build/test will be performed. Data will be gathered to support FCC and FAA approvals. A US-first manufacturing plan will also be developed. KalScott has also secured matching funds for follow-on Phase 2 E and CCRPP projects for this technology. Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): NASA currently conducts flight tests under the UTM and AAM programs, where the AAR can be integrated. Also, NASA currently is involved in firefighting flights by UAVs in California. The AAR can serve as an automated alerting system, where helicopter and firefighting aircraft pilots can hear the alerts over standard aviation radios. NASA and the FAA personnel at the FAA Tech Center in Atlantic City indicated that the AAR may be applicable to the FAA's Universal Data Translator effort. Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words): KalScott is also the prime contractor on a USAF project to develop unmanned ground vehicles for airfield sustainment roles. This device can be used to alert USAF pilots about robotic vehicles operating on the airfield via VHF airband broadcasts. We are also in discussion with several parties involved in the Smart Cities programs, where the digital data sharing enabled by the SDR can be useful. Duration: 24