Inside Unmanned Systems Quotes Jennifer Richter on the Future of Automated Unmanned Aerial Systems Traffic Management

Akin Gump communications partner Jennifer Richter has been featured in the Inside Unmanned Systems article “Flight Path to the UAM Future” sharing her views on what lies ahead for automated unmanned aerial systems (UAS) traffic management (UTM).

Richter said solving the UAS industry’s communications needs is currently the most pressing issue. The article notes that she is calling for a UAS traffic management regulatory system that will define how federated UTM service suppliers talk to each other, exchange information and create a common dashboard.

“This system needs to connect to the air traffic management system, today and in the future, to provide complete situational awareness of manned and unmanned vehicles in the air,” Richter stated.

Richter said she feels the system can be built by focusing on two areas. First, she said, is to define the necessary processes for testing, validating and creating standards for spectrum and technologies to satisfy UAS communication function. “The need for this testing and validation has become time-critical,” she observed.

The second area of focus, according to Richter, is to define the necessary regulatory approvals that will support the use of this spectrum.

Despite the complexities involved, Richter is optimistic about the future and “the potential to use the commercial wireless networks to support various communications functions for unmanned aircraft.” She highlighted work being done by government agencies and first responders in Youngstown, Ohio, who have developed a SMART2 Network infrastructure project, and also praised NASA, the U.S. Air Force and others who understand “that these technologies have to develop in the interest of commercial and military uses.”