This proposal addresses the topic “Control of RPAS in the TMA” of the H2020 call “SESAR-ER4-28-2019”. Its objective is to provide means for a safe and efficient integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into the existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures and infrastructures within Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMA) under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The main goals of the INVIRCAT project are the creation of a concept of operations for remotely piloted aircraft systems in the terminal manoeuvring area of airports, assessing it through simulations and draft a set of recommendations for rule makers and standardization bodies.

In INVIRCAT a CONOPS will be elaborated for full accommodation of RPAS in TMA environments, including Automatic Take-Off and Landing (ATOL) procedures. These CONOPS will serve as a basis for implementing a cooperative, heterogeneous and distributed simulation infrastructure to enable a full IFR RPAS flight from one airport to another including all phases of flight. Based on the results of the simulations and the validation of the CONOPS a set of high-level operational and technical requirements will be defined.

To meet the objectives, the INVIRCAT consortium is formed of a balanced group representing the most innovative research arms of the ATM, ATC, UAS, UTM and UAM industries. In addition, a close collaboration with related projects on the topics “SESAR-ER4-29-2019: Remain Well Clear for IFR RPAS Integration in Class D-G Airspace” and “SESAR-ER4-30-2019: RPAS for Manned Flight Contingency Management” will be established, to feed their results into the concept of INVIRCAT. An Advisory Board will be set up to validate the requirements and to explore the challenges presented by the co-existence of conventional manned aviation, drones and UAM aircraft in aerodrome environments.