The IRINA project, officially titled "IFR RPAS Integration into European Airspace," is an industrial research initiative that builds upon the foundations laid by the SESAR 2020 PJ 13 ERICA project. It extends the research to accommodate non-segregated RPAS operations within various airspace classes1.
General Achievements
The project focuses on integrating IFR RPAS operations mainly within airspace categories A to C and addressing their accommodation in airspace classes D to G. This includes both controlled and uncontrolled airspace1. The objective is to identify and validate the requirements for integrating IFR RPAS operations, ensuring they can operate safely alongside other airspace users, including traditional and recreational aircraft that may lack surveillance and collision avoidance capabilities1.
OBJECTIVES
The IRINA project is articulated around each solution’s concept and technical elements definition, validation objectives, and requirements that are performed for both Solutions 1 & 2. Solution 0379, about IFR insertion in controlled A to C airspace, comprises 11 validation exercises and will cover the gaps reported on the previous SESAR ERICA Solutions 111 and 117. Solution 0380, on RPAS accommodated operations non-segregated in airspace classes D to G, comprises 9 validation exercises. These solutions address the following overall functionalities:
Solution 0379: ATM infrastructure & Services, and Detect & Avoid.
Solution 0380: Mix of VFR/IFR flight rules and initial validation of DAA function in the VFR/IFR environment.
The project concentrates on mature validation exercises from simulations and encounter models for which RPAS are ready for demonstrating their integration into all European airspace classes, as well as the RPAS capabilities needed to allow IFR RPAS operations together with other airspace users.
COLLABORATION AND EXPERTISE
The IRINA partners involved in the project are composed of a balanced and representative group of engineer experts on the topic, industry, ANSPs, research centers, air traffic controllers, RPAS manufacturers, and military experts from EUROCONTROL. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to addressing the technical, operational, and regulatory challenges associated with integrating RPAS into European airspace1.
These efforts highlight the project's commitment to advancing the integration of IFR RPAS into European airspace, addressing both current and future challenges, and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these systems.
