AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems, an operating unit of Textron Systems, a Textron Inc. company, and GE Aviation announced that the Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System has completed a flight demonstration using the GE Flight Management System (FMS), a four-dimensional trajectory FMS certified for use in manned commercial aircraft.
The demonstration took place at the Hatch Airport in Hatch, N.M., in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. Army and the New Mexico State University Flight Test Center.
Following the demonstration, continuing integration and simulation activities allowed the team to show that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can function like manned aircraft in the national airspace system (NAS). The event further displayed the benefits of four-dimensional (time and space) trajectory service in UAS operations, including runway approaches and coordination of cooperative operations. The use of a four-dimensional trajectory FMS also results in improved mission planning, longer time on station, greater mission endurance and enhanced airspace control.
“Unmanned aircraft are valuable, reliable assets for America’s military, and they stand to serve an equally important role in civil operations,” says AAI Unmanned Aircraft Systems Senior Vice President and General Manager Steven Reid. “With FAA cooperation, our Shadow aircraft was flown safely within the NAS. This represents a significant step forward in providing the FAA critical data for analysis and development of procedures for future UAS operations in the NAS. The demonstration brings us a step closer to employing the benefits of persistent UAS surveillance for possible applications including meteorological and scientific research, border and homeland security, and post-disaster relief efforts.”
“This demonstration provides a path for the Shadow aircraft to operate in the NAS. The flight management system is commercially certified and provides precise, time-based navigation capability,” said Chris Beaufait, president and general manager of Avionics for GE Aviation Systems. GE’s flight management system is an ecomagination qualified product, including reduced fuel usage and emissions and less noise impact for communities.
AAI Corporation and its indirect wholly owned subsidiaries Aerosonde Pty Ltd and ESL Defence Limited design, produce and support industry-leading aerospace and defense products and services, including unmanned aircraft and ground control technologies; high-fidelity training and simulation systems; automated aerospace test and maintenance equipment; armament systems; and logistical, engineering, supply chain and operational support services. AAI Corporation is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron Inc. More information is available at www.aaicorp.com.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of GE (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings. GE Aviation Systems LLC, GE Aviation Systems Ltd, and Naverus, Inc. are subsidiaries of GE.
Source: Press Release