Mosaic ATM is developing an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ground operations management system (UGOMS) for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to enable UAS safe surface transit on airfields in both the National Airspace System (NAS) and remote locations throughout the world.  UGOMS provides accurate, real-time estimates of UAS airfield position and velocity without reliance on exteroceptive reference information from the Global Positioning System (GPS).  This capability is being achieved by integrating tactical-grade inertial navigation technology with Markov localization, provided by the University of Colorado, and advanced computer vision algorithms that classify, segment, and analyze the airfield surface as viewed though a passive imaging sensor onboard the UAS.  UGOMS also provides the UAS and remote human operator with information regarding UAS relative location on the taxiway, visually perceived obstacles, and taxiway markers, significantly reducing operator workload and supporting robust semi autonomous UAS ground operations.  UGOMS is one element of Mosaic ATM’s UAS technology portfolio, which is focused on enhancing the ability of unmanned aircraft to be integrated into routine operations in the NAS and abroad.

Anticipated Benefits:
Navigation and surface management capabilities developed through UGOMS will significantly alleviate UAS operator workload and improve the safety of UAS ground operations.  These benefits, combined with UGOMS’ visual surface perception, will enhance Air Force’s ability to execute ‘Same Base, Same Time, Same Tempo’ operations with manned and unmanned aircraft.