Autonomous UAVs for significantly increased capacity in mobile tactical networks

A concept with low-flying UAVs is suggested, that may significantly increase the radio network capacity of a battalion. Since flying relays often have free line-of-sight to each other, the increase in capacity in the radio network does not neccecarily lead to a limited range. Longer distances within the network can be bridged so that links between the UAVs have free line-of-sight above difficult terrain, while the distance from the UAV to the ground can be kept relatively short so that the signal passing through vegetation is strong enough for communication. A study of literature related to the concept idea has been carried out and covers results on channel modeling, frequency selection and antennas, different types of communication networks with UAVs, and UAV as a flying base station. We also assess future technical UAV prestanda. No solutions to the concept was found in the literature study. We believe that the concept is worth further developing, to form the basis for a realization of UAV-supported communication in mobile tactical radio networks.