AcrOSS platform: Advancing safe UAS operations in critical areas

In a recent development in the field of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), a research team from the University of Salento in Italy has designed and tested a novel platform named AcrOSS. The details of this platform are published in Engineering, aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of UAS operations in critical areas.

The widespread use of UAS in civil airspace, especially for beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, faces numerous challenges. The AcrOSS project, funded by the Italian Ministry for Research, focuses on developing a comprehensive UAS traffic management (UTM) platform. This platform is designed to manage access to low-altitude airspace, facilitate BVLOS operations, and ensure the safe integration of UAS into both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

The AcrOSS platform features a three-layer architecture, including the air traffic management and control (ATM/ATC) layer, the UAS Service Supplier (USS) layer, and the UAS layer. Each layer has distinct responsibilities. For example, the ATM/ATC layer manages manned aircraft and relevant airspace, while the USS layer is in charge of UAS operations. Key components of the platform include a Notification/Authorization (N&A) platform, which coordinates airspace operations; an advanced UAS platform with an augmented reality (AR) component to improve pilots’ situation awareness; and a contingency manager that suggests actions in case of unexpected events.

During the experimental tests at the Grottaglie–Taranto airport in Italy, the platform’s functionality was thoroughly examined. The UAS chosen for testing was the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual quadcopter. The tests covered various aspects, such as flight parameter monitoring, geofence functionality, and the response to contingency scenarios. The results showed that the platform could accurately display flight parameters in real time, and the geofence effectively signaled potential violations.

Operators involved in the tests provided valuable feedback. They positively evaluated the detection system based on the Drone Box and the flight plan submission system of the N&A platform for its user-friendly interface. However, they also suggested several improvements. These include integrating weather forecast information into the flight plan submission process, extending the cartographic map, and enhancing the interface of the AR headset.

Although the AcrOSS platform represents a significant step forward in UAS traffic management, it has some limitations. The ergonomics of the AR headset, such as potential fatigue during long-term use and visibility issues in bright light, need to be addressed. Additionally, the integration between certain components could be optimized, and more comprehensive tests with a larger number of UAS pilots are required.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to test the platform in different critical scenarios and integrate weather forecast information obtained from public application program interface (APIs). This will further improve the platform’s performance and contribute to the safe and efficient operation of UAS in various environments.

The paper “A Platform for Safe Operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Critical Areas,” is authored by Valerio De Luca, Claudio Pascarelli, Mattia Colucci, Paolo Afrune, Angelo Corallo, Giulio Avanzini. Full text of the open access paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2025.02.004. For more information about Engineering, visit the website at https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/engineering.