Analysis and determination of minimum requirements for a data link communication system for unmanned aerial vehicles- UAV's

Abstract

In recent years, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) they have shown enormous potential in civilian and military applications. They have become an essential tool in the field of defense, security and scientific development of a nation. Technological advancement has allowed these aircrafts to fly autonomously. That is why the different systems containing a UAV have to be monitored and controlled at all times from the Command and Control Station. The accuracy with which this information is sent will give confidence and autonomy to run the mission and perform flight tests autonomously and safely. It guarantees safe navigation of the aircraft. The analysis presented in this document sets out the necessary calculations to determine the link budget to ensure the permanent availability of information. It will determine the best band frequency, propagation loss, antenna gain, sensitivity of communication equipment, among others. These requirements are the basis for selecting the right equipment for the implementation of the communications system for a UAV. The results of performed tests are shown. They will consider multiple distances that the data link must reach, the field conditions in which the operations are to be carried out, the parameters affecting communications, field tests in real missions and the analysis of the obtained results.