A Method for Eliciting Safety Requirements for Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems Related to Critical Scenarios

Authors

  • Douglas Estevam Casale Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial – Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8724-0220
  • Rafaela Campos da Silva Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial – Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6887-0542
  • José Tupinambá Lopes Viana Júnior Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial – Instituto de Fomento e Coordenação Industrial – Divisão Certificação de Produto Aeroespacial – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6676-7893
  • Moacyr Machado Cardoso Junior Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial – Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2801-0329
  • Luís Eduardo Vergueiro Loures da Costa Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial – Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica – São José dos Campos/SP – Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-2486-0107

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/jatm.v18.1426

Keywords:

Unmanned aircraft systems, Flight safety, Safety factors, Critical decision method, Human factors, Systems engineering

Abstract

The expansion of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) usage has highlighted the need for robust safety mechanisms to mitigate operational risks in critical scenarios. In this context, it is envisioned that the potential of the critical decision method (CDM), a semi-structured interview technique that utilizes non-routine incidents to capture the decision-making processes employed in these situations and explore how different actions might have influenced the outcome, can be used to elicit knowledge that will contribute to safe UAS operation. However, there is a gap in the literature concerning the proposals and guidance for utilizing CDM in the systems development requirements elicitation process. This study aims to address this gap by applying CDM combined with model-based systems engineering to systematically elicit the safety requirements for UAS in critical operational scenarios. The methodology involves stakeholder interviews, scenario analysis, and requirements elicitation that reflect both operational insights and situational hazards. Sixty-eight safety requirements were identified for the UA and 51 for their ground control stations, providing a comprehensive framework for enhancing safety. The study concludes that CDM is an effective tool for eliciting requirements, offering significant contributions to the early design phases of UAS projects and supporting the development of safer and more resilient systems.


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Published

2026-02-23

Issue

Vol. 18 (2026)

Section

Original Paper

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Copyright (c) 2026 Douglas Estevam Casale, Rafaela Campos da Silva, José Tupinambá Lopes Viana Júnior, Moacyr Machado Cardoso Junior, Luís Eduardo Vergueiro Loures da Costa

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