SPH Engineering proof of concept project on ADS-B integration on micro UAS.
At the moment beyond line of sight operations of UAVs are prohibited in most countries. One of the reasons being that they are hard to notice for other pilots due to their size, non-existence of reliable sense-and-avoid solutions and limited possibility to track these vehicles by radar.
Thus at the moment ADS-B is only technology widely enough accepted in aviation industry suitable to ensure micro and small UAVs are visible to other users of airspace. Proof to that is Google’s Unmanned Systems division’s efforts to develop cheap and lightweight ADS-B transponders.
It is very likely that ADS-B will be mandatory requirement for beyond line of sight operations of UAVs in upcoming UAV legislation in European Union, USA and other countries as well.
ADS-B have reached maturity where transponders are of acceptable size to be installed on board of micro UAVs. Nevertheless challenges remain.
SPH Engineering successfully accomplished proof of concept project to investigate both technical possibilities to have ADS-B on 3D Robotics Quad. Sagetech XPS-TR ADS-B transponder was used. Despite its size UAVs of this type are widely used for different tasks and have technical capabilities to operate beyond line of sight up to several kilometers away from operator.
From technical perspective Sagetech XPS-TR ADS-B transponder was integrated with 3DR autopilot. Several test flights were made.
To test legal procedures we applied and got official individual ICAO registration number for 3DR Quad with frame number “6”. Probably making it first and smallest formally registered aircraft by ICAO.
Operation of ADS-B solution was monitored using following methods:
– ADS-B receiver Sagetech Clarity + FlyQ EFB application
– Ground control software UgCS with ADS-B receiver support
– Webpage Flightradar24.com
During tests 3DR Quad showed on all types of receivers without interruptions. Additionally it was confirmed that signal was seen by nearby Riga Airport Airspace Control Tower. Thus UAV was seen by nearby air traffic and its presence made known to ensure airspace safety.
Only issue identified for ADS-B usage on such small UAVs is placement of ADS-B antenna. It sends out quite strong impulse signal that can interfere with other poorly EMI isolated electronics. To solve this we used antenna dangling down the 3DR Quad on 1m long cable. After multiple flights no issues or interference with other onboard equipment were detected.
