UAV based Network-Centric Communications for Sensors

Reliable System Services Corporation (RSS Corp.) proposes a 6-month program to analyze, develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a low cost, low power, high capacity, robust RF communications network using UAV relays. The developed architecture will be suitable for the Navy tactical environment. A specific application would be for the planned Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) missions, although the developed architecture will have broader applications for any surface combatant requiring an Over-the-Horizon (OTH) data link to distributed sensors. A conceptual design for the IP network radio System will be developed, and an optional early demonstration (Phase 1) is proposed as a bridge to more extensive development, testing and demonstration in Phase 2. A successful Phase 1 program will produce a conceptual design for a Navy tactical communications system utilizing a UAV relay that is consistent with FORCENet. A successful Phase 2 program will demonstrate the capability in an ocean environment, using a UAV relay, surface ship and ocean sensors. The results will be significant, and the developed system could be a cornerstone of the future littoral combat communications architecture. The developed technology will also have use in any application requiring net centric, wide bandwidth data collection from distributed remote sensors.