Real-Time Implementation of RF-based Mobile Fleet Localization and Collision Avoidance System in Wireless Sensor Network for Drones and Gliders

There are more than 35 accidents involving Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) each year, out of which the absence of an air navigation or air traffic control system has contributed to more than 20 of these incidents. Consequently, the challenge of developing a novel method of operation for an automated air-to-air or UAV-to-UAV collision avoidance system arises. This article investigates the novel idea of traffic collision avoidance and localization systems which is a low-cost and adaptable solution to the problem, which can be easily tailored to meet the needs of the type of UAV. In this paper, a Radio Frequency (RF) module will be fitted on the UAV to create a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) between the UAVs. The WSN enables UAVs to communicate with each other within the sensor network. The communication structure is specified and contains information like current height, airspeed, current pressure, and current Global Positioning System (GPS). Variables like the maximum speed and maximum cruising altitude of the UAV can be preset. The pilot can remotely adjust these settings using Over The Air updates (OTA), which are accessible using an online dashboard. These data will be used to determine the time to impact.