4.6 INSITU SCANEAGLE-ESTABLISHING A PATH

Running head: INSITU SCANEAGLE-ESTABLISHING A PATH

Insitu ScanEagle-Establishing a path for UAS to operate Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)
Robert J. Winn
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WW-ASCI638

Abstract
This paper presents the attributes of the Insitu ScanEagle and how this unmanned aerial system (UAS) is equipped to conduct operations beyond line of sight (BLOS) of the operator. It will present the needed infrastructure to support the flight operations and identify the necessary support equipment, what additional personnel are required, their roles and what procedures are in place to ensure the UAS operates safely in the National Airspace System (NAS). A comparison between BLOS and line of sight (LOS) operations will be discussed to show the advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods and what unique human factors are associated with switching between each method of operation. In closing, the paper will identify a current operation or Pathfinder currently in the test phase, through joint participation with industry and the FAA that encourages the private use of a UAS while operating under BLOS capabilities.
Keywords: BLOS, support equipment, human factors, pathfinder, personnel, procedures

Insitu ScanEagle-Establishing a Path for UAS to Operate

Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS)
The Insitu ScanEagle, classified as a small unmanned aircraft system or sUAS has a max takeoff weight of <55 lbs. and is capable of operating beyond line of sight (BLOS). Due to its small environmental foot print the ScanEagle is nearly undetectable and can remain airborne for more than 24 hours with a service ceiling of 15,000 feet. Comprised of a video datalink in both analog and digitally encrypted feed and a Command and Control or C2 datalink that is both encrypted and non-encrypted its capable of delivering live video feeds allowing the operator to stay one step ahead of any situation. Infrastructure The System is comprised of four primary elements, 1) the UA 2) the Mark 4 ground launcher (trailer mounted, pneumatically actuated, expeditionary 3) Ground Control Station or GCS (point and click command enabling semiautonomous real time control) 4) SkyHook (runway independent cable recovery system, requires no nets) and 5) Operating Crew (by type certification consists of (1) Pilot and (1) ground crew member (aids in the launch and recovery operations). In addition to the primary system elements, the necessary support equipment to enable BLOS operations is the GPS satellite relay, the satellite data link and the satellite uplink vehicle. Not normally addressed as support equipment or part of the system, but an aspect of crew resource management (CRM) is the coordination/communication with Air Traffic Controllers that provide essential operator feedback regarding manned air operations or other obstacles within the vicinity of the UA, so that predetermined mitigations can be enacted upon. Line of Sight
Line of Sight (LOS) operations refers to the ability to provide command and control of the UA via direct up-link /down-link between the GCS and the UA. Operating under LOS offers advantages over BLOS by minimizing the infrastructure, such as satellite relay/data link support equipment, needed to perform C2 of the UA. However a disadvantage to operating under LOS is that the extended range capabilities of the UA are restricted, i.e. the UA cannot travel out of direct signal reception of the GCS uplink antennas or C2 and data downlink is affected.
Beyond Line of Sight
Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) operations refer to UAS operations via a satellite link (GPS) that reaches “over the horizon”. This allows the operator to control the UA from considerably longer distances where a ground based-direct line of sight (LOS) datalink may be hindered by extending beyond the horizon or behind obstacles, such as mountains. A clear disadvantage is the additional infrastructure required to provide BLOS capability (e.g. Satellite relay, Satellite data link and the Satellite uplink vehicle).
Crew Resource Management-CRM
As stated in an ERAU-ASCI 638 presentation (2013), “Typically there is a delay of approximately 2 seconds from operator input to the controls to execution of commands by the aircraft; this makes takeoff and landing procedures difficult if not impossible due to the need to rapidly respond to changes during critical phases of flight. To work around this problem, there is usually a separate Launch and Recovery Element (LRE) crew and Mission Crew Element (MCE) that work together to accomplish the entire flight. Good CRM between these two elements is crucial to safe operations and involves many human factors issues that can cause problems if not executed properly. Precise coordination, timing, communication, and duplicated settings in the GCS are critical because a breakdown of any one of these factors can cause an accident or incident. Common procedures, checklists and training are essential components of successful BLOS operations.” To enhance CRM between the pilot (MCE) and ground crew (LRE) Insitu implemented robust GCS software referred to as I-MUSE.
I-MUSE
I-MUSE (Insitu Multiple UAS Software Environment): provides the interface between the pilot and the ScanEagle aircraft. The software capabilities directly enhance the pilot’s ability to multitask operational requirements. I-MUSE functionality includes: plan flights; launch aircraft; operate the aircraft in flight; monitor the aircraft and the data collection; and recover the aircraft. I-MUSE is factory-installed on all GCS and provides the pilot with situational awareness information via visual displays of terrain, obstacles, altitudes, etc. (similar to a manned aircraft flight deck). It also provides multiple checklists to perform pre-flight; post-flight; and emergency tasks. Finally, since I-MUSE is the mission planning interface, the pilot may load maps, elevation information, satellite imagery, etc., to assist with mission planning. Overlays are permitted in I-MUSE to alert the pilot of no fly zones and air traffic corridors (Murray, 2013).
Pathfinder
In collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration, while conducting operations in New Mexico, Insitu (a Boeing subsidiary) launched the first sUAS to perform commercial BLOS operations within the continental United States (Insitu, 2015). This particular Pathfinder will provide necessary data to show the abilities of BLOS operations while the ScanEagle performs video inspections and analysis of predetermined sections of the BNSF railway.

References
Insitu, Inc. (2015) Insitu Unmanned Aircraft Conducts Railway Monitoring, Historic First Flight with BNSF Railway, Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/insitu-unmanned-aircraft-conducts-railway-monitoring-historic-first-flight-with-bnsf-railway-300167570.html
Murray, T., Eastwick, J., Evans, C. (2013) White Paper: System Safety Assessment for ScanEagle Type Certificate with limitations (Restricted Category) Date: May 17, 2013 Rev. 0.0