A team from Nasa’s Ames Research Center, along with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other industry partners, has successfully conducted  ‘out-of-sight’ drone tests at Reno-Stead Airport in Reno, Nevada.

The test aimed to enhance drones flying beyond the visual line of sight in US national airspace.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

During the test, two drones flew beyond their commanders’ lines of sight, while other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) were separated by altitude and within sight of their operators.

Nasa’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) traffic management (UTM) research platform was used to obtain information about the drones’ locations and proximity to other air traffic and hazards.

The UTM also informed other airspace users of potential hazards and conflicting operations that could affect their flights.

Nasa Ames Research Center Air Transportation Systems lsenior engineer Dr. Parimal Kopardekar said: “We are very happy with the test.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We have completed all our test goals, in terms of the number of scenarios and data collection toward operations beyond visual line of sight.

"We have completed all our test goals, in terms of the number of scenarios and data collection toward operations beyond visual line of sight."

“The test was possible due to a very good collaboration among partners and Nasa.”

Additionally, the test also demonstrated UTM’s technical capability level 2 (TCL2) by connecting real drone-tracking systems to the research platform.

UTM provided alerts for approaching drones and piloted aircraft, as well as informed the pilots about weather and other hazards.

Nasa is planning to test UTM’s technical capability level three by January 2018.

The test will assess tracking procedures to manage drones and ensure safe manned and unmanned operations over moderately populated areas.

Image: Drone Co-habitation Services operates a Phantom 3 commercial multi-rotor unmanned aircraft in Nevada test. Photo: courtesy of NASA Ames / Dominic Hart.