Integrating drones into the National Airspace System is a major step to expanding the safe commercial operations of unmanned aircraft--for which there is significant potential and demand.
In an agreement with NASA, General Dynamics will be authorized to perform demonstration flights of its MQ-9B drone in the National Airspace System over San Diego at altitudes above 10,000 feet. The drone will demonstrate its operator’s ability to detect and avoid other air traffic, maintaining safe separation distances.
According to the news release, “The National Airspace System includes the USA’s air navigation facilities, air traffic control facilities, airports, flight rules and regulations which are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).”
The planned flight is part of NASA’s Systems Integration and Operationalization (SIO) project that is intended to resolve regulatory issues that currently prevent access by drone operators to the greater National Airspace System.
The MQ-9B is part of a family of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used for both combat and non-combat missions, including test and evaluation of UAV systems.