BARRACUDA – TCAS demonstration with an UAV

Markus Bartenbach, Cassisian Air System (EADS), Germany

Abstract

This paper describes the experience of the test flight campaign of an UAV (Unmanned Areal Vehicle) system with an integrated ACAS (Airborne Collision Avoidance System).
The campaign took place in July 2010 at the Goose Bay airfield in Canada (Labrador). Test aircraft was BARRACUDA (BAR) an UAV system from CASSIDIAN (Germany) equipped with an ACAS together with a mode S transponder.

In total 4 successful flights were performed with 11 dedicated TCAS manoeuvres. The manoeuvres were performed in a safe built up, starting with intruder A/C flying behind the UAV and varying the distance and bearing, and then ending with a 90° side collision course manoeuvre.

All ACAS traffic and resolution advisories were indicated at the BAR ground control station and the BAR followed the resolution advisories with an appropriate climb/descent manoeuvre. After conflict clearances the UAV went back to its origin flight level.

The ACAS behaviour and aircraft reaction was satisfactory and worked as designed
within the UAV system.