Possibilities for testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems in U-space airspace structures in virtual and real environments

Abstract

The U-space concept developed by EASA aims to coordinate a large number of operations with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in a safe and secure manner. With entry into force of the associated Implementing Rule 2021/664 in 2023, the implementation of U-space airspaces in Europe was made possible. As a result, test environments are now needed to further investigate and test necessary requirements to operate UAS in such airspace structures. These include, for example, the interaction between UAS and U-space, the coordination between different airspaces and geo-zones as well as environmental and social acceptance aspects. DLR has launched the internal AREA U-space project to set up such a test environment. At the National Experimental Test Center in Cochstedt there will be implemented an U-space test environment by end of 2026. In addition to the implementation of the four mandatory services network identification, geo-awareness, UAS-flight authorization and traffic information, the focus is on integrating services from higher U-space level U3 and U4 from in-house developments. The U-space test environment will be extended by a virtual U-space, which is also being developed as part of the project. This will expand the test options for both internal and external users of the DLR test facility in Cochstedt in the long term and offer users the opportunity to carry out tests in both real and virtual test environments.