ASTM F 3442 : 2025

1.1This specification applies to smaller unmanned aircraft (UA) encountering crewed aircraft. It is meant to be applied in a “lower risk” (low- and medium-risk airspace as described by Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS)) airspace environment; this is typically in Classes G and E airspace (below about 1200 ft (366 m) above ground level (AGL)), Class B, C, D (below about 400 ft to 500 ft (122 m to 152 m) AGL), below obstacle clearance surface (FAA Order 8260.3, as amended), or within Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) designated areas below the altitude specified in the facility map.

1.2Ultimate determination of applicability will be governed by the appropriate civil aviation authority (CAA).

1.3This specification assumes no tactical air traffic control (ATC) separation services are provided to the UA.

1.4While some architectures may have limitations due to external conditions, this specification applies to daytime and nighttime, as well as visual meteorological conditions (VMC) and instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).

1.5This specification does not address avoidance of birds or natural hazards (for example, weather, clouds, terrain/obstacles).

1.6This specification does not define a specific detect and avoid (DAA) architecture and is architecture agnostic. It will, however, define specific safety performance thresholds for a DAA system to meet to ensure safe resolution of encounters between a UA and crewed aircraft.

1.7This specification addresses the definitions and methods for demonstrating compliance to this specification, and associated considerations affecting DAA system integration (for example, detection range, required timeline to meet well clear, and proxy for mid-air collision safety targets).

1.8This specification highlights how different aspects of the system are designed and interrelated, and how they affect the greater UA system-of-systems to enable a developer to make informed decisions within the context of their specific UA application(s).

1.9It is expected this specification will be used by diverse contributors or actors including, but not limited to:

1.10Except for DAA system integrators for whom all the “shalls” in this specification apply, not all aspects of this specification are relevant to all actors/contributors. In some instances, the actor most likely to satisfy a requirement has been identified in brackets after the requirement; this is for information purposes only and does not indicate that only that actor may fulfill that requirement. Where not specified, the system integrator/proponent is assumed to be the primary actor. In all cases, the system integrator/proponent is responsible for all requirements and may choose to delegate requirements as is suitable to the system design. Nonetheless, familiarity with the entire specification will inform all actors/contributors of how their contributions affect the overall DAA capability and is strongly recommended.

1.11Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.12This specification is intended to serve as a detailed performance standard that, if met, accomplishes the safety intent of the requirement to “see and avoid;” for example, 14 CFR 91.113(b) may be used by a proponent to show compliance, and be accepted by the appropriate CAA. It is recognized that any means of compliance is one method, but not the only method, to show compliance with a regulatory requirement.

1.13This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.14This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.