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AeroSpace and DefenceIndustries Association of EuropeUAS Working Group

Presentation to European UAS Panel

2nd Workshop

Frequency Spectrum

Ivan MartinThales

On behalf of

No Frequencies, No UAS

UAS have a stringent need of radio-frequencies both for C2 and Payloads

Depending on system requirements and architecture, data link diversity and redundancy is a crucial element for UAS design, certification, qualification and cost-efficient world-wide operation in non-segregated airspace.

Spectrum is overcrowded, resource is scarce

Interferences and poor communication protection can jeopardize the future use of UAS

ITU is regulating Spectrum management and will hold its next WRC in 2012 with dedicated agenda for UAS:

C2

ATC exchanges

Sense & Avoid exchanges

ITU-R process must be successful for UAS

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With no Spectrum, UAS will not exist

ITU-R Status – WRC12 Agenda item 1.3

European position to be finalized Terrestrial component (LOS)

Spectrum Requirement: 34 MHz

New AM(R)S allocations (Safety of flight communication band)

5030 – 5091 MHz most likely band

Satellite component (BLOS): Method A2

Spectrum Requirement: 56 MHz

Current allocations (no need of new allocation)

AMS(R)S: L band in early phase, 5 GHz later on

or MSS/AMSS (if ICAO modifies its current position)No show stopper identified

European Industry supports the elaboration of a consensual position

Stanag 4660 Industry

perspective NATO NIAG SG-140 (2009-2010, 34 industries) has the objective to

standardize C2 LOS data link for TUAV, MALE, HALE, UCAV

STANAG 4660 Ed 1 ratification foreseen 2011 / beginning 2012

Bandwidth required: 50 to 100 MHz

Trend is to adopt NATO C Band (4400 – 4990 MHz) or alternate L/S bands

Industry position in favour of NATO C band

Adoption of the bands [4400 MHz – 4900 MHz] for NATO and [5030 MHz – 5091 MHz] for civil is a technical optimum

A single airborne terminal could be used both in segregated and non segregated airspace (like V/UHF radios)

A good example of potential civil – military synergy

Key supporting studies

SIGAT (contracted by EDA), study on the military frequency spectrum requirements for UAS GAT insertion, 23 partners, 9 Nations, 2009-2010

EDA / ESA (ARTES 20) study on satcom solutions for UAS

ESA (ARTES 1) "ESPRIT" study on emerging system concepts for UAS C2 via satellite

NATO NIAG SG140 (NATO Industrial Advisory Group) and STANAG 4660 : “Tuneable UAS Interoperable Command and Control Data Link”

Supporting studies are a way to converge on jointly agreed industry positions in Europe

Industry Recommendations

Support the preparation of future WRCs (2012 and beyond) on spectrum allocation

Launch technical studies / demonstrations for proof of concept and to provide solutions reducing spectrum requirements

A “follow on” to SIGAT is essential to support future European positions

Studies and demonstrations, as part of the EFC, on future SATCOM architectures, terrestrial end-to-end architectures, communication system integration, autonomy …

Take benefit from civil – military synergies

Connect with SESAR for the consideration of interoperability with future ATM systems (LDACS in particular)

Prepare for the implementation of future Satcom Services

Address potential new technologies to be developed for UAS