UAS in the Airspace: A Review on Integration, Simulation, Optimization, and Open Challenges

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advancements and open challenges in integrating Unmanned Aircraft Systems into the National Airspace System, focusing on simulation, optimization, and operational challenges to enhance airspace efficiency and safety.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of technological, operational, and regulatory developments in UAS integration into NAS, highlighting open research challenges.

Findings

Growth in UAS numbers in segregated airspace

Challenges in UAS integration with Air Traffic Control

Open issues in simulation and optimization for UAS in NAS

Abstract

Air transportation is essential for society, and it is increasing gradually due to its importance. To improve the airspace operation, new technologies are under development, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). In fact, in the past few years, there has been a growth in UAS numbers in segregated airspace. However, there is an interest in integrating these aircraft into the National Airspace System (NAS). The UAS is vital to different industries due to its advantages brought to the airspace (e.g., efficiency). Conversely, the relationship between UAS and Air Traffic Control (ATC) needs to be well-defined due to the impacts on ATC capacity these aircraft may present. Throughout the years, this impact may be lower than it is nowadays because the current lack of familiarity in this relationship contributes to higher workload levels. Thereupon, the primary goal of this research is to present a comprehensive review of the advancements in the integration of UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS) from different perspectives. We consider the challenges regarding simulation, final approach, and optimization of problems related to the interoperability of such systems in the airspace. Finally, we identify several open challenges in the field based on the existing state-of-the-art proposals.