Framework of Level-of-Autonomy-based Concept of Operations: UAS Capabilities

The utility of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is growing fast in recent years with applications like parcel delivery and security patrol. However, most of the current applications require the involvement of human operator, posing challenges for large-scale UAS deployment due to the operator’s and air traffic control officer’s (ATCO) limited cognitive capability to control and monitor the traffic. Autonomous UAS operation that reduces the operator and ATCO workload could be a promising solution to meet that challenge. The main aim of this paper, therefore, is to propose a conceptual framework for Level of Autonomy (LoA) based concept of operations (ConOps). The discussion includes the definition and evaluation of LoA and the investigation opportunities of enabling UAS operation at various LoA via case studies. This could be further extended for mixed operation with vehicles of multiple LoA. The framework is presented around core factors defining levels of autonomy for UAS and character for each level in terms of operational actions. Two use cases involving scheduled parcel delivery and non-scheduled emergency operation are presented to demonstrate the evaluation of LoA for a given operation. The proposed framework could serve to identify opportunities for research and engineering development of UAS operations in urban environments.