Integration of UAV in flight and ground operations

Advances in technology have partially ameliorated the increasing workload on air traffic controllers due to the tremendous volume of air traffic. However, higher level automation will be necessary, especially considering increasing pressures on current airspace architecture by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Here we present a relatively inexpensive, modular, and wireless networked airspace. We describe this distributed networked airspace as a paradigm shifting airspace architecture. Based on trajectory information predicted by a neural network, we present a framework for the implementation of automated path generation algorithms, thus creating a closed sense and actuation loop. The technology is a potential tool for the simulation of novel air traffic control algorithms. Previous flight tests using household electronic equipment and small RC airplanes prove the system's utility.