Subminiature Hi-def UAV Reconnaissance

A key advancement in UAV reconnaissance will be the consolidation of high quality video and command and control links. UAVs with multiple cameras and/or multiple spectrum sensors can make use of multiple simultaneous channels of video. A scalable architecture which enables this for very small UAVs is proposed. It is highly desirable to achieve this in the smallest possible package to minimize vehicle size or maximize payload capability in one vehicle. Weight, size, and power consumption should all be compatible with small electric UAVs. Our goal is to take advantage of recent advancements in radio communications devices which we will demonstrate have made it possible to achieve the desired goals with off the shelf components with minimal risk. We intend to use a radio solution which should achieve very long range with a tracking antenna on the ground, and will be available with ''commercial'' and ''government'' power output options. Our approach is to leverage recent developments from mass market video compression and mobile communications, and keep the system flexible and modular enough to take advantage of technology advancements as they occur. The system will allow high definition video transmission from gimbaled high definition cameras. BENEFIT: The proposed system will have many applications for UAVs, unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), broadcasting, law enforcement and surveillance, firefighting, and many other military and civil uses.