UAS situation awareness shortcomings, gaps, and future research needs

Abstract

UAS pilots are challenged by a limited situation awareness such that they may be unable to sense incipient problems and to formulate effective responses in a timely manner. As UAS operations evolve to increasingly higher levels of autonomy, these challenges will only become increasingly acute. Here, we identify unmanned aircraft systems situation awareness issues, including current shortcomings and research needs required to meet those shortcomings.