Improving Airspace Awareness: Possible Conspicuity Solutions For Safe sUAS Operations

Currently, there is no standardized lighting system to enhance the visibility of small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), despite reports of their limited conspicuity. This study has identified the characteristics of a lighting system (placement of the light, flash type, movement of the sUAS) that can enhance the detection and visibility of a sUAS. This work was done using a virtual reality (VR) headset, a platform that can offset or mitigate persistent issues with UAS field research. This experiment used a within-subject factorial design to explore the effects of lighting design and sUAS movement on detection and reaction time. The study included three factors: light flashing type (flashing, non-flashing, half-flashing, and half-non-flashing); light placement (top and bottom or around the perimeter of the sUAS); and relative movement of the sUAS (approaching or orbital). Participants viewed 360-degree videos of a sUAS flying. They were tasked to locate the sUAS within six seconds, relying on the drone's lighting and sound. The participants completed a total of 96 trials. Fifty participants (31 female, 19 male; mean age 24.4 years) were recruited from the student (31 participants) and general population (19 participants). Half-flashing and half-solid lights around the perimeter of the sUAS maximized the chance of quick detection. Perimeter lighting increased detection counts [F(1, 590) = 38.295, p < 0.001]. There was also a significant flash type by placement interaction [F(2,98) = 8.87, p < 0.001] for reaction time, with decreased reaction times for half-flashing/half-solid lighting placed around the perimeter. The type of relative movement depends on the vantage point of the observer and did not lead to lighting recommendations. This virtual reality-based study identified lighting configurations that increase sUAS visibility. It also highlighted the potential of VR-based experiments to increase participant turnout, decrease financial stressors, and avoid hazardous accidents. This experiment identified two factors that increase detection and decrease reaction time: a combination of solid and flashing lights around the perimeter of the sUAS. As sUAS use expands to include flying beyond line of sight and more advanced mobility aircraft fly in swarms, these lighting systems may be further examined to minimize human error.