ASTM F3002-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F3002-22 — Standard Specification for Design of the Command and Control System for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). This consensus specification provides design, performance and functional requirements for command-and-control (C2) systems intended to support applications to a nation's governing aviation authority (GAA) for commercial or public sUAS operations.

Abstract

This specification applies to small unmanned aircraft systems with a maximum gross takeoff weight of 25 kg (55 lb) or less (unless a nation's GAA specifies otherwise). It covers general C2 requirements, C2 system spectrum and link requirements, unmanned aircraft (UA) requirements relevant to C2, and fly‑away protection and mitigation functionality intended to maintain or restore positive control. The document is concise (short form specification) and intended to support permit/authorization submissions.

General information

• Status: Active / Current
• Publication date: Published October 1, 2022 (last updated record December 8, 2022).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee F38 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems).
• ICS / categories: 49.020 — Aircraft and space vehicles in general.
• Edition / version: F3002-22 (revision of F3002-14a).
• Number of pages: 5 pages.

Key bibliographic and status details above are recorded in the ASTM publication record and commercial standards catalogues.

Scope

Provides a consensus specification to support applications for permits/authorizations to a nation's GAA for commercial or public use of sUAS. Intended to apply to sUAS operating in defined areas and authorized airspace; covers C2 design principles, acceptable spectrum/use considerations, safety and redundancy expectations for C2 links, UA-side requirements that affect C2 robustness, and required fly‑away protection behavior and mitigation strategies. The specification does not claim to address every safety concern and directs users to establish site- and operation-specific safety practices.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for C2 elements (C2 link, C2 range, downlink, flight control system, fly‑away, fly‑away protection system).
• General C2 performance and reliability expectations to maintain positive control at required operational range.
• Spectrum and licensed/unlicensed band considerations for C2 systems and acceptable use guidance.
• Requirements for UA-side interfaces and flight control system behavior when C2 is degraded or lost (lost-link, return-to-home, containment, safe‑landing).
• Fly‑away detection and mitigation requirements, including expectations for fail-safe behavior that returns the UA to the operational area or surface safely.
• Applicability limits (normally sUAS ≤ 25 kg) and notes on interaction with national regulatory requirements.

Typical use and users

Primary users include sUAS system and C2 subsystem designers and manufacturers, test and certification laboratories, regulatory affairs and compliance teams preparing permit/authorization dossiers for GAAs, operators and integrators seeking to demonstrate C2 robustness for commercial/public operations, and procurement/specification authors within government and industry. The standard is used as technical evidence of C2 design intent and performance in support of regulatory approvals.

Related standards

ASTM F3002-22 is part of the F38 portfolio addressing UAS airworthiness, production and operational topics. Relevant companion and adjacent standards include earlier editions of F3002 (F3002-14 / F3002-14a), standards addressing Remote ID and tracking (for example ASTM F3411 family), larger-UAS design specs such as F3563, and production/approval practices such as F3686. Users often consult these related references when preparing compliance packages or aligning C2 requirements with broader UAS design and operational standards.

Keywords

sUAS, unmanned aircraft system, command and control, C2, C2 link, fly-away, lost-link, flight control system, spectrum, remote pilot, GAA, ASTM F3002-22.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F3002-22 is a concise specification that sets out design and performance expectations for the command-and-control (C2) system of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to support permit/authorization submissions to national aviation authorities.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers C2 system functional requirements, spectrum and link considerations, UA behaviors when C2 is degraded or lost (lost‑link and fly‑away responses), and applicability limits (typically sUAS up to 25 kg). The document is not an exhaustive safety standard and users should supplement it with operational risk assessments and applicable national regulations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers and designers of C2 subsystems, integrators and system architects, certification/test laboratories, compliance teams preparing applications for GAAs, and any organization documenting C2 performance for commercial or public sUAS operations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2022 revision (F3002-22) is the current published edition; it revises the 2014 edition (F3002-14a). Users should confirm the latest status or any amendments with ASTM or their national standards repository before relying on the text for formal compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee F38's body of UAS standards (Book of Standards volume 15.09). It should be considered alongside other F38 specifications and practices addressing remote ID, design and construction of larger UAS, production approval, and related topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Command and control (C2), C2 link, fly‑away, lost‑link, sUAS, unmanned aircraft system, spectrum, GAA, flight control system, ASTM F3002-22.