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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to focus on the development of conflict-resolution algorithms between Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and conventional aircraft. The goal of the conflict-resolution algorithm is to estimate the minimum protection distance (MPD) which is required to avoid a potential conflict. Design/methodology/approach The conflict-resolution algorithms calculate the last location at which an RPAS must start climbing to avoid a separation minima infringement. The RPAS maneuvers to prevent the conventional aircraft based on the kinematic equations. The approach selects two parameters to model the conflict-geometry: the path-intersection angle and the Rate of Climb (ROCD). Findings Results confirmed that the aircraft pair flying in opposition was the worst scenario because the MPD reached its maximum value. The best value of the MPD is about 12 Nautical Miles to ensure a safe resolution of a potential conflict. Besides, variations of the ROCD concluded that the relation between the ROCD and the MPD is not proportional. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation is that the conflict-resolution algorithms are designed in a theoretical framework without bearing in mind other factors such as communications, navigation capacity, wind and pilot errors among others. Further work should introduce these concepts to determine how the MPD varies and affects air traffic safety. Moreover, the relation between an ROCD requirement and the MPD will have an impact on regulations. Practical implications The non-linear relation between the MPD and the ROCD could be the pillar to define a standardized MPD in the future for RPAS systematic integration. To accomplish this standard, RPAS could have to fulfil a requirement of minimum ROCD until a specified flight level. Originality/value This paper is the first approach to quantify the Minimum Protection Distance between RPAS and conventional aircraft, and it can serve the aeronautical community to define new navigation requirements for RPAS.

The forthcoming integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) is one of the cmost omplex challenges for aviation. Europe draws to allow operating RPAS and conventional aircraft in non-segregated airspace by 2025, but this demanding perspective entails a thorough analysis of the different aspects involved. The RPAS integration in non-segregated airspace cannot imply an increase in the safety levels. This paper assesses how the RPAS integration affects safety levels. The goal is to regulate the number of RPAS that can jointly operate with conventional aircraft regarding conflict risk. This approach benchmarks a Calculated Level of Safety (CLS) with a Target Level of Safety (TLS). Monte Carlo (MC) simulations quantify the TLS based on schedules of conventional aircraft. Then, different combinations of conventional aircraft and RPAS provide different CLS. MC simulations are performed based on probabilistic distributions of aircraft performances, entry times and geographical distribution of aircraft. The safety levels are based on a conflict-risk model because the primary metrics are average number of conflicts and average conflict duration. The methodology is applied to one flight level of en-route airspace. The results provide restrictions to the number of RPAS that can jointly operate with conventional aircraft. Particularly, the TLS is quantified for four conventional aircraft and MC simulations provide the combinations of conventional aircraft and RPAS that fulfil the CLS. The same number of RPAS than conventional aircraft shows an increase over 90% average number of conflicts and 300% average conflict time.

The efficient and safe introduction of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in non-segregated airspace requires a thorough assessment of all operational elements. In this paper, we dealt with the safety problem that arises from the integration of RPAS jointly with conventional aircraft in non-segregated airspace. The authors propose a framework and methodology for airspace design and planning purposes based on a conflict-risk method. This method compares a target level of safety (base-scenario without RPAS) with the calculated level of safety (scenario with RPAS). Moreover, the framework proposes an in-depth assessment by identifying geometrical and operational factors that may affect conflict risk. These conflict-risk factors are critical for RPAS integration and must be assessed to detect relations between them and conflict risk. Moreover, we have performed a sensitivity analysis to assess how RPAS average speed affects conflict risk. A real air traffic volume is studied to characterise a conflict-risk indicator, and different permutations to the base-scenario study the RPAS integration all over airways. Results confirm the validity of the methodology for planning purposes and the viability of RPAS integration without a significant impact on safety but with several restrictions to the RPAS airway distribution.

RESUMEN: La introduccion segura y eficiente de los Sistemas de Aeronaves Pilotados en Remoto (RPAS) en un espacio aereo no segregado requiere un analisis en profundidad de todos los aspectos operacionales involucrados. Este articulo analiza el impacto que tiene la integracion de RPAS junto a aeronaves convencionales sobre la seguridad operacional. La metodologia esta basada en un modelo de riesgo de conflicto dirigido a las fases de diseno y planificacion del espacio aereo. Ademas, permite establecer relaciones entre la capacidad y la seguridad. En primer lugar, la metodologia determina un riesgo de conflicto limite a partir de la operacion existente en un sector aereo, y, en segundo lugar, introduce RPAS por las aerovias del sector para analizar como varia el riesgo de conflicto. Ademas, se ha realizado un analisis adicional sobre como afecta la variacion de la velocidad de los RPAS sobre el riesgo de conflicto. La metodologia ha sido aplicada a un sector del espacio aereo espanol y los resultados confirman la validez de la metodologia para comparar modificaciones en la operacion de un espacio aereo y la viabilidad de integrar RPAS. No obstante, la introduccion de RPAS no esta exenta de determinadas restricciones operativas. Palabras clave: Transporte Aereo; RPAS; Seguridad Operacional; Riesgo de Conflicto; Espacio Aereo no Segregado; Planificacion Espacio Aereo