// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Sense and Avoid
Sense and Avoid (SAA) is the capability of an unmanned aircraft or autonomous system to detect other aircraft, obstacles, or hazards and then automatically take action to prevent a collision.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Sense and Avoid (SAA) is a critical technological capability for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and autonomous platforms, enabling them to detect potential collision threats (e.g., other aircraft, terrain, obstacles) using onboard sensors and autonomously execute maneuvers to maintain safe separation, thereby ensuring safe integration into shared airspace.
BACKGROUND
The military budget of the United States is the largest portion of the discretionary federal budget allocated to the Department of Defense (DoD), or more broadly, the portion of the budget that goes to any military-related expenditures. It pays the salaries, training, and health care of uniformed and civilian personnel, maintains arms, equipment and facilities, funds operations, and develops and buys new items. The budget funds the six branches of the US military: the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force. Critics contend that recent U.S. defense budgets have disproportionately invested in long-term developmental programs instead of producing weapons systems needed in the near term.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Detect and Avoid
- Collision Avoidance
- SAA
- Autonomous Evasion
- Traffic Avoidance
USAGE NOTE
SAA systems are fundamental for regulatory approval and safe operation of drones and other unmanned systems in both civilian and military airspace.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Sense and Avoid.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)
A leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radar, and electro-optic solutions, GA-ASI develops integrated Sense and Avoid (SAA) systems for safe operation of their Predator and Reaper drones in national and international airspace.
Lockheed Martin
A global aerospace and defense company, Lockheed Martin is actively involved in developing advanced SAA technologies, including radar, electro-optical sensors, and sophisticated algorithms, to enable autonomous and safe operation of military aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
Northrop Grumman
A major defense contractor, Northrop Grumman integrates and develops advanced sensor fusion and SAA systems for its unmanned platforms, ensuring safe flight operations and compliance with airspace regulations for military missions.
RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)
RTX's diverse businesses contribute to SAA technology through advanced radar systems, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and avionics solutions critical for detecting and avoiding obstacles and other air traffic for military aircraft and UAS.
BAE Systems
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company, BAE Systems develops autonomous capabilities and SAA solutions for military aircraft, including advanced sensors and decision-making systems to prevent collisions.
L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris provides a range of technologies for military platforms, including advanced airborne sensors and avionics that contribute to robust Sense and Avoid capabilities for unmanned and manned military aircraft.
Airbus Defence and Space
As a major European aerospace and defense firm, Airbus Defence and Space is involved in developing and integrating SAA systems for its military aircraft and future unmanned aerial platforms to enhance operational safety.
Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Boeing develops and integrates advanced SAA solutions for its extensive portfolio of military aircraft and autonomous systems, focusing on ensuring safe and efficient operations in complex airspace environments.