New OEM Drone Detect-And-Avoid Solution Developed

Sagetech Avionics has partnered with embedded computing specialist Hover, Inc. to provide an onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) solution for OEMs of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The solution consists of Sagetech’s MXR micro interrogator and MXS micro transponder, combined with Hover’s embedded computing solution. The system will enable drones to interrogate nearby aircraft, validate the ADS-B in tracks, resolve potential threats using the flight computer to calculate a new course of action, and communicate any change in position to nearby aircraft to avoid a mid-air collision.

This DAA solution is compliant with ACAS (Airborne Collision Avoidance System)-Xu and ACAS-Xr specifications and is intended for installation on UAVs flying above 400 feet, beyond visual line of site (BVLOS), in the National Airspace System (NAS). The solution is expected to be particularly vital for unmanned aircraft flying civil BVLOS and urban air mobility missions, which typically weigh more than 55 pounds.

Tom Furey, CEO of Sagetech, commented: “Airborne detect and avoid capability is essential for integrating UAS into the National Airspace System. Together our avionics expertise and technologies will form an off-the-shelf core for a DAA system that contains FAA-certified and certifiable components, helping OEMs achieve type certification faster.”

James Lawson, FAA Consultant DER (Designated Engineering Representative) and Founder of Hover, Inc., said: “UAVs need to replace a pilot’s line of sight with technology to avoid collisions. That technology needs to be compliant with DO-254 and DO-178C design assurance levels. Hover’s embedded computer with real-time operating system (RTOS) and Sagetech’s MX-series situational awareness components provide leading edge technology with appropriate design assurance levels and FAA certifications. We are proud to partner with Sagetech to provide this new capability for this emerging need.”

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