Unmanned Aircraft to Add to Air Traffic Control Challenges

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Domestic, Combat Airspace Control Next Big UAV Issue

Dec 3, 2007

Michael Bruno/Aerospace Daily & Defense Report

Airspace issues, whether access to domestic skies or control over a combat arena, is the next big focus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and needs to be worked out imminently, according to a panel of one-star U.S. military leaders.

The four chiefs of service aviation and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) branches told the Army Aviation Association of America's unmanned aircraft symposium last week that the military should crystallize combat air control regarding UAVs, while domestic authorities must work out access and use of UAVs in domestic airspace.

"Airspace is going to be huge," said Brig. Gen. Blair Hansen, Air Force director of ISR capabilities.

"I'm surprised we haven't had a collision yet," said Rear Adm. Joseph Aucoin, director of the Navy's aviation plans and requirements branch. Read More...

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