European Detect and Avoid System technology demonstrator flies high
November 27, 2024
On 27 November 2024 Leonardo announced the successful completion of a landmark demonstration with its Falco Xplorer uncrewed aerial system, which took off from Trapani Birgi (Italy) airport to validate the European Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology demonstrator. The event was attended by high military and industry representatives from the five contributing member states (Sweden, Italy, Germany, France and Spain), and marked the culmination of a technological development cycle that began four years ago under Saab’s co-ordination, supported by a highly qualified ‘ecosystem’ of ten partners from the member states.
The consortium included Saab AB, from Sweden, Eurocontrol (Belgium), Onera, Safran Electronics & Defense, SAS, Thales Six GTS, and Thales AVS SAS (France). German involvement came from Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, the Deutches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt, Diehl Defence GMBH & Co. KG, and Hensoldt Sensors GmbH. Italian partners were the Centro Italiano Richerche Aerospaziali CIRA S.C.P.A. and Leonardo S.P.A. while Indra Sistemas represented Spain.
The DAA system represents a game-changing capability for the aviation sector, and aligns with ICAO standards. The system incorporates both co-operative and non-co-operative sensors, a central processing computer and a DAA display for pilot guidance.
The in-flight activities conducted at Trapani confirmed the effectiveness of the technical solutions developed for DAA demonstrator, including the advanced sensors, innovative digital flight control algorithms and smart systems. These systems were shown to provide traffic awareness and collision avoidance capabilities, enabling the uncrewed aircraft to operate safely and efficiently in multiple airspace classes (A-G class airspace). They proved able to detect and avoid both co-operative and non-co-operative air traffic, performing those manoeuvres necessary to prevent conflicts while also reducing the workload for operators.
Until now, safety concerns have, quite rightly, limited unmanned aircraft to operating in segregated airspace (either permanent or temporary) to avoid the chances of conflict with manned traffic. The successful EUDAAS (European Detect and Avoid System) demonstration by the Leonardo Falco Xplorer is intended to pave the way for the safe integration of unmanned aircraft in European airspace. The EUDASS initiative aims to ensure that RPAS will be able to operate seamlessly alongside both crewed and uncrewed aircraft, while also advancing the maturity of non-cooperative sensor technologies. This promises to enable large RPAS platforms to be utilized more broadly and flexibly than is currently feasible.
The EUDASS project was funded in part by the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), which provided a €21 million grant towards the total programme budget of €30 million. The project was also supported by the Ministries of Defence of Sweden (lead nation), France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, which provided funding alongside the contributions from the European Commission.
The Falco Xplorer Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) used as the DAA demonstrator is a state-of-the-art system. Building on the proven legacy of the Falco Evo, the Falco Xplorer is designed to meet dual-use requirements, providing 24/7, all-weather persistent regional surveillance. It is equipped to support a wide range of missions for both military and governmental applications.
The Xplorer has undertaken approximately 100 test flights and has reached the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) milestone in its Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) configuration. Looking ahead, Falco Xplorer roadmap includes the integration of a new engine, aimed at enhancing its performance and multiple armament configurations. Full Operational Capability (FOC) will be reached by 2026, solidifying the system’s position as a cornerstone of modern surveillance and defence solutions.
Leonardo was quick to highlight that the Falco Xplorer’s role as the European flying test bed underscored the company’s “dedication to the advancement of autonomous flight and artificial intelligence capabilities.” The Falco Xplorer demonstrated its advanced DAA capabilities, showcasing how uncrewed aircraft can be integrated into standard air traffic management systems.
“With the Falco Xplorer’s success in EUDAAS, Leonardo reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of uncrewed aviation and ensuring safer skies,” the company said.
The EUDAAS consortium is already moving forward to the EUDAAS2 follow-up project, which is due to start on 1 December 2024 under the EDF 2023 framework. With the continued support of the European Commission EDF and the five member states, the EUDAAS consortium will complete the full suite of DAA functionalities at the highest technology readiness levels, including the definition of European standards to form the basis for the future certification of the system.
The EUDASS project is expected to have long-term positive implications, enabling uncrewed aircraft to serve as reliable assets in support of diverse community and operational needs across Europe.
