Enhancing Trajectory-Based Operations for UAVs through Hexagonal Grid Indexing: A Step towards 4D Integration of UTM and ATM

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are gaining popularity for use in a wide range of tasks, such as mapping, surveying, delivering, and surveillance. However, given to safety issues and the need for coordination with manned aircraft, their integration into the existing airspace system is a significant challenge. 4D trajectory-based operations can enable safe and efficient integration of UAVs into the airspace system (Shenoy & Tyagi, 2022). The use of 4D trajectory-based operations in UAV operations can lead to improved safety and reduced fuel consumption (Ramasamy et al., 2014). 4D trajectory-based operations can increase the predictability and reliability of UAV operations, which could make them more acceptable to regulators and other stakeholders in the aviation industry (Ramasamy et al., 2014). © 2023, International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace. All Rights Reserved.