RTCA DO-362А-2020 PDF

Full title and description

RTCA DO-362A:2020 — Command and Control (C2) Data Link Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) (Terrestrial). This standard defines minimum performance, interoperability and test requirements for the terrestrial Control and Non‑Payload Communication (CNPC) link used to support command-and-control functions for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), including the CNPC function that supports remote pilot to/from ATC voice (ATC‑relay) while explicitly excluding non‑safety payload communications from CNPC requirements.

Abstract

DO-362A provides MOPS for the UAS Command and Control (C2) Data Link (terrestrial CNPC Link System). It specifies performance objectives, radio characteristics, link availability, timing/latency, test vectors and operational considerations necessary to support safety‑of‑flight CNPC functions for UAS operations in civil airspace. The document was developed by RTCA Special Committee SC‑228.

General information

• Status: Current (DO‑362A is the amended 2020 MOPS edition replacing the 2016 DO‑362).
• Publication date: December 17, 2020.
• Publisher: RTCA, Inc. (Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics).
• ICS / categories: Aviation communications; Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) CNPC; avionics performance standards; RTCA SC‑228 subject area.
• Edition / version: DO‑362A (2020 amendment / edition).
• Number of pages: 676 pages (PDF/publication page count as published).

Scope

Specifies minimum operational performance standards for terrestrial C2/CNPC links between ground control stations and unmanned aircraft used for safety‑of‑flight command and non‑payload communications. The scope covers link performance, RF characteristics, signaling and message behavior necessary to ensure safe remote piloting and ATC‑relay functions; it excludes mission payload communications (non‑safety data) from CNPC use and protection. The standard is targeted at civil UAS operations and was developed under RTCA SC‑228.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and functional allocation of the CNPC (Control and Non‑Payload Communications) terrestrial link and interfaces.
• Minimum link performance metrics: availability, latency, continuity and integrity requirements aligned to safety‑of‑flight needs.
• Radio characteristics and emission limits for terrestrial C2 links (power, spectral occupancy, modulation/air interface considerations).
• Interoperability, addressing and protocol behavior required for ground/air radios to support reliable command & control.
• Test methods, verification procedures and recommended test vectors for laboratory and flight validation.
• Operational considerations including ATC‑relay (remote pilot‑to/from‑ATC voice) handling, security considerations and spectrum usage guidance (in coordination with related system-level standards).

Typical use and users

Used by avionics and radio equipment manufacturers, UAS integrators, system architects, test laboratories, airworthiness authorities and operators to design, test and certify CNPC/C2 radios and link implementations that meet safety‑of‑flight performance requirements for UAS operations in civil airspace. Developers of ground control stations, onboard radios, and regulatory compliance teams commonly reference DO‑362A.

Related standards

DO‑362A (2020) supersedes DO‑362 (2016). Related RTCA/industry standards and guidance include DO‑377(A) (C2 Link System / system‑level MOPS for certain bands and networked solutions), DO‑365 (MOPS for Detect‑and‑Avoid), and other RTCA MOPS and EUROCAE equivalents produced by SC‑228 and related committees. These documents are complementary: DO‑362A focuses on terrestrial radio/link performance characteristics, while DO‑377A addresses overall system, safety and security requirements for C2 link systems.

Keywords

DO-362A; C2; CNPC; Command and Control; Data Link; MOPS; UAS; Unmanned Aircraft System; terrestrial link; ATC relay; SC-228; RTCA; avionics; link performance; latency; availability; interoperability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DO‑362A is an RTCA Minimum Operational Performance Standard (MOPS) titled "Command and Control (C2) Data Link MOPS (Terrestrial)" that defines minimum performance and test requirements for terrestrial CNPC/C2 links used in UAS operations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers terrestrial CNPC link functional definitions, radio and emission characteristics, link performance metrics (availability, latency, continuity), interoperability requirements, and test/verification procedures needed to support safety‑of‑flight command and control and ATC‑relay functions. Payload (non‑safety) communications are explicitly excluded from CNPC.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Radio and avionics manufacturers, UAS integrators, test labs, certification and compliance teams, airworthiness authorities, and UAS operators reference DO‑362A during design, verification and certification of CNPC/C2 radios and link implementations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: DO‑362A was published December 17, 2020 and is the amended 2020 edition that supersedes DO‑362 (2016). As of the document publication and subsequent committee approvals it is the active MOPS edition for terrestrial CNPC link performance; users should check RTCA or national regulatory guidance for any later amendments or system‑level complements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of RTCA’s suite of UAS‑related standards developed by SC‑228 and is used alongside related MOPS and MASPS (for example DO‑365, DO‑366, DO‑377A) that together address detect‑and‑avoid, air‑to‑air surveillance, and system‑level C2 requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: CNPC, C2, MOPS, UAS, command and control, terrestrial data link, ATC‑relay, link availability, latency, interoperability, RTCA SC‑228.