Real_Time Simulation as Operational Validation Means of the European DAA System

This paper presents the methodology, execution, and results of the Real-Time Simulation (RTS) campaign conducted within the European Detect and Avoid System (EUDAAS) project, focusing on the operational validation of Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems with both Remote Pilots (RP) and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO) in the loop. The EUDAAS project aims to develop and validate a European DAA solution to safely integrate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) into non-segregated airspace. The RTS activities were carried out using a detailed RPAS simulation facility equipped with the DAA model and focused on evaluating both Remain Well Clear and Collision Avoidance functionalities for MALE and Tactical UAV platforms. Human factors were central to the validation process, with emphasis on RP and ATCO perceptions of safety, workload, and system usability. Performance data were collected through system recordings, questionnaires, and interviews. Results confirm the operational feasibility of the EUDAAS DAA concept and provide key insights into user interaction and acceptability in both nominal and non-nominal scenarios. ATCO rated the system’s usability and acceptability positively, due to limited impact on their operational tasks, while RP expressed lower ratings, mainly due some deficiencies that limited full evaluation of the DAA concept. Nevertheless, all participants agreed on the necessity of a DAA system for the effective integration of RPAS into the civil airspace and the findings led to several recommendations that will support the refinement of the future European DAA concept and its system design.