US Air Force Launches Operational Test of Advanced Drone Traffic Control System in Florida
The US Air Force has embarked on an exciting new phase in drone technology by beginning the operational test of an unmanned aircraft systems traffic management (UTM) solution at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. This initiative is part of the Air Force’s broader strategy to expand the use of drones for various operational tasks, including security, airfield management, and civil engineering.
The roots of this ambitious project trace back to 2016 when the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate initiated the Collaborative Low-Altitude Unmanned Aircraft System Integration Effort, or CLUE program. The goal was clear: to create a modern UTM that ensures the safe integration of drones into the airspace while enhancing overall situational awareness.
After years of development and refinement, the AFRL delivered the CLUE UTM platform to MacDill in 2022 for an initial demonstration with the base’s drone teams. This demonstration laid the groundwork for the current operational feasibility test, which aims to validate the UTM’s interoperability with MacDill’s existing Air Traffic Control Tower, Base Defense Operations Center, and Airfield Management processes.
The ongoing assessments include a range of critical activities such as obtaining flight approvals through the CLUE UTM, tracking drone movements, and issuing warnings when a drone exceeds its approved flight parameters. This rigorous testing ensures that the system can handle the complexities of modern airspace management and maintain high standards of safety and efficiency.
The CLUE UTM is designed with an agnostic architecture, meaning it can integrate with a variety of sensors and counter-drone systems. This flexibility enhances the detection and tracking of unmanned aerial systems across the evolving airspace. Moreover, the system offers a three-dimensional view of the area, providing air traffic controllers with better situational awareness and enabling automatic flight permissions for drone pilots. This 3D operational viewing capability is crucial for reducing the need for lengthy, manual planning procedures and achieving real-time flight planning and mission execution.
James Layton, Chief of Plans and Programs at MacDill AFB, highlighted the importance of this technology, stating that equipping airspace managers and drone operators with these advanced features will be critical for future operations. The system’s ability to provide real-time data and streamline flight approvals is a significant leap forward in drone traffic management.
The formal operational feasibility test at MacDill is a significant milestone for the Air Mobility Command, AFRL, and the CLUE program. It represents the first time these UTM capabilities are being assessed operationally within the Air Force. Phil Zaleski, AFRL CLUE Program Manager, emphasized the importance of this achievement, noting that the integration of the UTM with existing air traffic control and base defense operations is a crucial step in enhancing the Air Force’s operational capabilities.
As drones become increasingly integral to military operations, the development and testing of advanced UTM systems like CLUE are essential. These systems not only ensure the safe and efficient use of airspace but also enhance the overall effectiveness of both manned and unmanned operations. The successful implementation of the CLUE UTM at MacDill AFB could pave the way for broader adoption across other active bases, further boosting the Air Force’s operational efficiency and personnel security.
