Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Lockheed Martin: Simple ATC Mods Would Allow Drone Flights
Lockheed Martin is developing an unmanned aircraft traffic management system with exception management logic to alert operators and controllers.
Lockheed Martin demonstrated a Stalker XE, foreground, and K-Max unmanned helicopter for firefighting. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
Lockheed Martin demonstrated a Stalker XE, foreground, and K-Max unmanned helicopter for firefighting. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Relatively simple modifications to existing ATC automation systems would allow controllers to monitor unmanned aircraft and manage potential conflicts with other aircraft in the same airspace, according to automation provider Lockheed Martin. In a recent firefighting demonstration involving two unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the company said it proved its ability to monitor a UAS that departs from its planned area of operation.