Radar/Electro-Optical Fusion for sense and avoid

     I currently reviewed an article entitled Radar/electro-optical data fusion for non-cooperative UAS sense and avoid by Fasano, G., Accardo, D., Tirri, A. E., Moccia, A., & De Lellis, E. (2015).  This paper focused on the hardware and software implementation as well as flight results relevant to a multi-sensor obstacle detection and tracking system that is based on radar and electro-optical data fusion.  Research conducted in this paper resulted in a significant improvement of collision detection performance.

     With the growing awareness of issues regarding the use of unmanned systems in our National Airspace, It was interesting to read about research that shows significant advances in the sense and avoid issues as required by the FAA to operate in our National Airspace.  In an attempt to find safe and efficient ways to integrate unmanned systems, this research bridges the gap between existing technology and user requirements.

     The research address the requirements for sense and avoid that would guarantee a high level of safety.  These requirements are: adequate detection range, angular field of regard, uncertainty in estimating an objects relative position and rate of movement, and latencies.  Within this framework, it is perceived that different sensors each have complimentary features that if fused together could greatly advance the sense and avoid measurements and increase safety and reliability.

     This article confirms through testing that the data fusion of Radar and Electro-Optical sensors provides a remarkable improvement in situational awareness compared with standalone radar tracking.  The results of this research article and the data collected will assuredly pave the way for a multi sensor based approach for sense and avoid.  Another reason for the fusion of these systems is the cost savings of fusing two current systems instead of the high cost of developing new sensor technology.

Reference

Fasano, G., Accardo, D., Tirri, A. E., Moccia, A., & De Lellis, E. (2015). Radar/electro-optical data fusion for non-cooperative UAS sense and avoid. Aerospace Science and Technology, doi:10.1016/j.ast.2015.08.010