Overview
ISO 23629-8:2023 - "UAS traffic management (UTM) - Part 8: Remote identification" defines the generic concept and common framework for UAS remote identification, focusing specifically on direct remote identification. The standard sets minimum performance requirements for in‑flight unmanned aircraft (UA) to electronically identify themselves via local broadcast (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi). It is intended for low‑altitude UAS operations across diverse environments (urban, rural, network‑degraded or network‑denied) and emphasizes operator accountability and local situational awareness. The standard does not cover network remote identification, UA module installation requirements, or identities of other IT entities (remote pilot stations, fleet management workstations).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Minimum performance standards for direct remote identification; excludes network remote ID and IT‑entity identity requirements.
- Direct remote identification concept: Local broadcast of lightweight packets embedded in Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi advertisements so commonly carried receivers (e.g., smartphones) or placed receivers can obtain identification and flight info without two‑way connection.
- Transmission methods: Mandatory support for Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi broadcast mechanisms (industry transport protocols). Additional protocols may be added as technology evolves.
- Message content (minimum):
- UAS ID - one or more of: ANSI/CTA‑2063‑A serial number, Civil Aviation Authority registration ID, or UTM‑assigned session ID.
- Flight information (mandatory): operational status (ground/airborne/emergency), latitude, longitude, altitude or height, ground speed, timestamp.
- Flight information (recommended): direction, vertical speed.
- Performance: Messages must be transmitted at regular intervals during flight and be receivable by handheld devices or dedicated receivers. The standard provides a high‑level framework; specific transmission timing and additional performance metrics may be aligned with other industry standards.
Applications and users
- Who uses it: UAS manufacturers, OEMs of add‑on remote ID modules, receiver and app developers, UTM service providers, civil aviation authorities, law enforcement, and fleet managers implementing local identification and accountability capabilities.
- Practical use cases:
- Enabling bystanders, law enforcement, and local authorities to identify a nearby UA in real time using a smartphone or dedicated receiver.
- Supporting safety and privacy enforcement in network‑denied or degraded environments.
- Providing a baseline specification for manufacturers to integrate direct broadcast remote ID into small UAS.
Related standards
- ISO 23629 series (e.g., Part 5, Part 12) for broader UTM context.
- ASTM F3411-22 (remote ID and tracking), prEN 4709‑002 (direct remote identification), EUROCAE guidance, and ANSI/CTA‑2063‑A (UAS serial number format) - ISO 23629‑8:2023 aligns at a high level with these documents while focusing on minimum requirements for direct remote identification.
Keywords: ISO 23629-8:2023, UAS remote identification, direct remote identification, UTM, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, UAS ID, ANSI/CTA-2063-A, unmanned aircraft system.
