scope:

IEEE Std 1920.1 defines air-to-air communications over self-organized aerial ad hoc networks and describes the reference architecture for aerial networks, where aircraft can form a network to share information with one another with or without any supporting infrastructure, such as satellite or cellular communications. This standard is intended for RLOS and BRLOS small UASs used for civil and commercial applications. The architecture can also be extended to include additional platforms, making it a useful guide for other aircraft systems. The communications and networking standards are independent of the type of network (wireless, cellular, or other).

The main objective of the IEEE Std 1920.1 data model is to define and format data consistently in a common, secure data structure that can be leveraged across the industry. This can help improve the integrity, safety, and security of the data regardless of the types of use cases, communication technologies, or diversity of the vehicles utilized. IEEE Std 1920.1 does not specify procedures or protocols that define the means to access radio-frequency spectrum and manage its use (i.e., an "air interface").

IEEE Std 1920.1 does not specify the size, maximum take-off weight (MTOW), modes of propulsion, and other characteristics of the UAS. It is expected that most UASs with less than 250 kg MTOW can use the protocols defined in IEEE Std 1920.1. An MTOW above 250 kg would put the UAS in the scope of certification requirements that impose requirements beyond those applicable to aircraft operating communications services within the scope of IEEE Std 1920.1.

Purpose

IEEE Std 1920.1 can contribute to aviation safety by providing for enhancing situational awareness of manned and unmanned aircraft in the shared airspace through air-to-air communications facilitated by an aerial ad hoc network. As UASs become increasingly integrated into the National Airspace (NAS), there is a corresponding need for technology systems to provide enhanced situational awareness of all aircraft operating in the shared airspace. IEEE Std 1920.1 also provides a means of compliance for the network remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems, to provide information to distinguish compliant UAS users from those potentially posing aviation security risk.

The need for self-organized aerial networks in increasing the situational awareness of aircraft systems was highlighted in a working paper titled "Use of Self-organizing Airborne Networks to Monitor Commercial Aircraft Globally" presented in a May 2014 meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (see ADS-B in Europe [B1]).⁶

⁶The numbers in brackets correspond to those of the bibliography in Annex B.