Inexpensive components that can be used to create an unmanned air vehicle (UAV) are becoming increasingly available. This accessibility opens up exciting applications: from automated resource transportation in developing countries to the scale testing of integrated airspace systems. We present a novel UAV system in which guidance, navigation, and control were performed on an onboard iPhone 4 and a desired trajectory was supplied through a ground based laptop. Additional UAVs can be modularly integrated to cooperatively interact within the airspace. The iPhone 4 bundles much of the essential hardware required for UAV control and communication and offers additional capabilities such as a audio and video recording. The integrated UAV system was flight tested and its efficacy verified.

Advances in technology have partially ameliorated the increasing workload on air traffic controllers due to the tremendous volume of air traffic. However, higher level automation will be necessary, especially considering increasing pressures on current airspace architecture by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Here we present a relatively inexpensive, modular, and wireless networked airspace. We present the system as a test bed for the implementation of a distributed airspace system, and any associated ground based or airborne algorithms. As a proof of concept, we outline a procedure for the automated generation of airspace trajectories and prediction of future aircraft position using a ground based neural network model. Based on trajectory information predicted by the neural network, it would be possible to predict and collisions and perform collision avoidance maneuvers. The technology is a potential tool for the simulation of novel air traffic control algorithms. Flight tests using household electronic equipment and small RC airplanes have been used to demonstrate the system's functionality.

Novel airspace systems that integrate the latest technology advancements must be tested before widespread adoption. Despite the growing sophistication of simulation software, new systems must be practically tested before implementation. To facilitate the rapid prototyping of such architectures we present the flight test results of a low cost, small scale, modular airspace design. We incorporate flight data processing and control logic into an onboard iPhone 4 in small UAV aircraft. The iPhone 4 performs guidance, navigation, and control, while receiving desired trajectory information from a ground based laptop. We integrate these aircraft into a simulated air traffic environment and demonstrate automated two-way communications between aircraft and ground control tower. We present results of successful straight and level flight and trajectory tracking for a single aircraft.