Operational Integration Potential of Regional Uncrewed Aircraft Systems into the Airspace System

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the potential for integrating regional fixed-wing cargo UAS into the airspace system, focusing on airport suitability, current infrastructure, and future technological developments across Germany, Texas, and California.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of airports' readiness and potential for cargo UAS operations, considering current infrastructure and future technological advancements.

Findings

Only 11 airports currently have certified landing systems for UAS.

A large number of airports lack certified landing systems but may adopt new technologies.

Potential for UAS integration varies significantly across regions.

Abstract

As part of newly developing aviation markets, fixed-wing Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) are projected to impact airspace systems and conventional air traffic in the future. The initial introduction of fixed-wing cargo UAS for regional operations is anticipated to occur at smaller under-utilized airports. Therefore, this paper assesses the integration potential of regional fixed-wing cargo UAS into the airspace system. A baseline is established to identify potential airports for cargo UAS operations in different areas. Additionally, using 2022 data, regional aircraft eligible for future cargo UAS operations are investigated. Finally, the accessibility of these regional aircraft at the identified airports was analysed. Based on the availability of current certified landing systems needed for initial UAS operations, potential airports in the areas Germany, Texas, and California for UAS operations are compared. Additionally, based on the maximum takeoff weight allowances of airport runways, current air transport operations at airports, and airspace classes, individual airports with a high potential for the introduction of initial cargo UAS operations with and without the availability of landing systems needed for UAS are identified and compared among the investigated areas. Despite a total of 173 identified airports for potential UAS operations in Germany, 376 in Texas, and 231 in California, only eleven of these airports currently have the certified landing systems needed for initial UAS operations. However, other landing system technologies that are currently under development, such as vision-based landing systems, might support UAS accessibility at the identified airports for potential UAS operations in the future.