Figure 5‐2
Military UAS Communication and Control
Source: Washington Post
From takeoff until it leaves the line of sight, the UAS is controlled with a direct
data link from a ground‐control station.
When the UAS leaves the line of sight, the ground‐control station switches to a
satellite link to control the aircraft. The UAS also uses GPS to relay its position.
If the communication link is lost, the UAS is programmed to fly autonomously in
circles, or return to base, until the link can be reconnected.
There are thousands of other devices that use the same RF spectrum as UASs including
cell phones, microwave ovens, walkie‐talkies, industrial / scientific / medical equipment
and others. Development around FMR may result in increased use of the RF spectrum.
When multiple systems are competing for RF bandwidth, interference increases and
eventually the performance of UASs degrades. If nearby transmitters increase in power
strength, then sensitive receiver systems are impacted to an even greater degree.
As available bandwidth becomes saturated there is the potential for conflicts resulting in
loss of UAS equipment or damage to ground facilities in the event of a crash. In addition,
the current and future UAS mission at FMR may be compromised resulting in loss of
military capability.
Issue:
FSI‐2
5-42
AZARNG Site: Federal Aviation Administration relay
towers have impacts to helicopter avionics
Entire JLUS
Project Area systems.
The FAA has proposed constructing relay towers
in the flight corridor of AZARNG helicopters. The
proposed towers have an avionics impact radius
that could impact helicopter flight systems.
Compatibility Assessment