Iris, Sagetech Partner On BVLOS Collision Avoidance

The partnership combines camera-based detect-and-avoid with ADS-B for airborne collision avoidance.
Credit: Iris Automation

Iris Automation and Sagetech Avionics have partnered to bring cooperative and noncooperative traffic detection and collision avoidance capabilities to drones operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

The partnership will integrate Iris’ Casia computer-vision-based detect-and-avoid system with Sagetech’s MXS miniaturized automatic dependent surveillance—broadcast (ADS-B) transponder via Sagetech’s ACAS X sensor fusion and collision avoidance module.

With Casia providing camera-based noncooperative traffic detection and MXS using ADS-B In/Out to detect cooperative aircraft, the partnership will allow Sagetech to develop a certifiable ACAS X airborne collision avoidance system able to handle both types of targets.

“A significant portion of traffic in the U.S. is noncooperative, making their detection a paramount safety concern,” the companies say. “Combining noncooperative traffic detection from Casia with Sagetech’s cooperative surveillance and avoidance module adds a more robust set of avoidance options for safer BVLOS operations.”

The Sagetech ACAS sXu system for smaller uncrewed aircraft allows the drone to perform avoidance maneuvers in both horizontal and vertical planes, autonomously turning right or left, ascending or descending as necessary. Incorporating Casia will enable advanced avoidance maneuvers in line with emerging performance standards, the companies say.

 
 

Graham Warwick

Graham leads Aviation Week's coverage of technology, focusing on engineering and technology across the aerospace industry, with a special focus on identifying technologies of strategic importance to aviation, aerospace and defense.