Avionics firm Rockwell Collins has partnered with the University of Iowa to test a commercial avionics system for unmanned aircraft.
Carried out in collaboration with the College of Engineering’s Operator Performance Laboratory (OPL), the flight used Rockwell Collins’ Pro Line Fusion integrated avionics system on an experimental aircraft with a safety pilot on board.
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The UAS control and non-payload communications (CNPC) datalink was integrated with the avionics system to ensure safe and efficient unmanned aircraft operation.
The distributed flight management system allowed controllers on the ground to reach and control the experimental aircraft remotely, Rockwell said.
Rockwell Collins Advanced Technology Center vice-president John Borghese said: "The purpose of these tests was to show how certified production systems may be used to meet the certification requirements being formulated by the Federal Aviation Administration."
Tests have demonstrated the capabilities of the Pro Line Fusion system as a ground control station and airborne avionics for unmanned aircraft systems.
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By GlobalDataPro Line Fusion has been so far installed on 17 aircraft, including military, rotary wing and business jet flight decks.
OPL director Thomas (Mach) Schnell said: "At OPL, we have worked on unmanned aircraft systems for some time now.
"The current project is another example of a successful teaming arrangement between OPL and Rockwell Collins to successfully accomplish a difficult goal in a short amount of time."
Image: Interior of an OPL experimental aircraft, while being remotely piloted. Photo: courtesy of OPL.
