Testing C3 and Configuration

 Author: Dr. Michael Zimmer

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According to Stansbury et al. (2009), Command, control, and communicate (C3) are essential unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) functions that are established under US National Airspace System (NAS) and Federal Aviation Administration purview. Based on regulatory guidelines and airworthiness standards, manufactures compete to exceed basic C3 capabilities. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Communication Lab allows learners to explore a similar UAS manufacture C3 Lab. This paper will examine Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Communication Lab from a learner’s perspective while exploring common communication systems that are integrated into UAS design. Last this paper will discuss on communication effects using experimental UAS within operational routes. 

Communications Lab

A communication lab will typically have a received signal strength (RSS) meter using either a dipole or dish. The dipole option allows the tester to control and adjust dipole feed power and distance to a UAS, while the dish allows the tester to control and adjust dish feed power, distance, pitch, and heading. Based on the Communications Lab dipole and dish pre-settings, RSS varied. As both antenna types outputted .5 watts from a distance of 20 feet, the dish RSS reading of -6 was far superior compared to the dipole’s -16 reading. In addition, when the obstacle of trees was placed in-between the antennas and UAS, the dish transmission performed greater. Regardless, of antenna type the obstacle of a brick wall withheld any RSS. Last, it is worth noting that a 12-degree pitch or heading using the dish produced similar RSS readings as if the dish held a 0-degree pitch or heading (at 20 feet). 

According to Suryanegara, Asvial, & Raharya (2015), the most common UAS communication system found in today’s market are control-link, Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC), and Sense and Avoid (S & A) hardware. In addition, control-link, CNPC, and S&A hold subsystems that consist of uplink/downlink, telemetry, and flight sensors. Common commercial UAS uses a radio-frequency (RF) control-link to transmit and receive data. The uses of RF aids in the transmission of “location, remaining flight time, distance and location to target, distance to the pilot, location of the pilot, payload information, airspeed, altitude, and many other parameters” (911security.com, 2021, para. 1). Furthermore, CNPC is a function of commands using telemetry, navigation, ATC relays, and weather data (Suryanegara, Asvial, & Raharya, 2015). Last, S & A is an increasing popular sensor that detects and avoids UAS collision. 

UAS Configuration Area/Operation

Using an octorotor platform with similar feature as an DJI M600, ground control station (GSU), and dish, I was able to extend communication range past lab displayed configuration capabilities. I believe this was possible based on my GSU Yosemite hillside location. Operating under manual flight at an attitude of 500 feet, I encounter signal interference at 13000 feet, video interference once passing through Yosemite’s fire smoke, then complete signal loss at 18000 feet. In addition, during free-flight, I operated the octorotor along Yosemite’s river. I found signal weakened due to river mountain rig interference as dish line-of-signal was blocked. To avoid a fly-away, I increased my attitude. 

Commercial UAS are commonly controlled through RF. As 5G technology evolves, UAS applications are extended. 5G technology is not Wi-Fi as internet access is transmitted through cellular data. For example, many commercial UAS are restricted by its 2.4ghz and 5ghz RSS flight distance. 5G technology allows for UAS communication to be carried from cellular tower to tower while carrying commercial UAS transmission as far as a cellular tower link persists (Gheorghisor et al., 2020).

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References

911security.com. (2021). How do drones communicate with their operator? Drone Communication - Data Link. para.1. https://www.911security.com/learn/airspace-security/drone-fundamentals/drone-communication-data-link 

Gheorghisor, I., Chen, A., Globus, L., Luc, T., & Schrader, P. (2020). Reliable 4G/5G-based communications in the national airspace: A UAS C2 use case. Paper presented at the 2A3-1-2A3-14. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICNS50378.2020.9222950

Stansbury, R. S., Stansbury, R. S., Vyas, M. A., Vyas, M. A., Wilson, T. A., & Wilson, T. A. (2009). A survey of UAS technologies for command, control, and communication (C3). Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, 54(1), 61-78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10846-008-9261-2

Suryanegara, M., Asvial, M., & Raharya, N. (2015). System engineering approach to the communications technology at unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Paper presented at the 475-480. https://doi.org/10.1109/SysEng.2015.7302800 


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