Unmanned Aircraft Systems Detect and Avoid Sensor Hybrid Estimation Error Analysis

This research aims at improving the methods to evaluate Detect and Avoid (DAA) sensors of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) through multiple model estimation to track maneuvering intruders. This paper builds on previous work that used predefined aircraft encounter trajectories. An established encounter model generates the intruder trajectories while multiple models are introduced to improve intruder dynamics estimation. The efficiency of the trajectory estimation has direct implication on the intruder’s estimation of the closest point of approach to the own aircraft. The methods described in this research can aid a certification authority in determining if a DAA system is sufficient for UAS integration into the National Airspace System.