UAS Sense and Avoid System Interface Design and Evaluation

Abstract

A key challenge to integrating unmanned aerial systems (UASs) into the National Airspace is providing a means for UASs to sense and avoid (SAA) other aircraft. Additionally, successful applications of a SAA system will depend on the degree to which the operator understands the rationale for its maneuvers/decision aids and can interact with the system to tailor and/or override the automation. This paper describes two interface prototypes for the Jointly Optimal Collision Avoidance (JOCA) SAA system that differed in feedback provided on the algorithm’s state and planned maneuvers. Results from an operator-in-the-loop simulation are also presented. Although performance was generally similar with both interface types, the participants rated their ability to maintain safe separation from other aircraft and overall situation awareness as better with the interface that provided more visibility into the SAA algorithm’s intent.