Combined DSSS/FHSS approach to interference rejection and navigation support in UAV communications and control

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for a wide variety of applications have enjoyed growing interest. One of the most critical component of a UAV system is the datalink between the UAV itself and the ground control station. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements for medium-range UAV data links. Special emphasis is given to requirements and solutions which are related to the application of spread spectrum techniques. Based on the analysis of requirements and possible design solutions, the system concept and the hardware structure of a production-stage datalink system for a medium-range UAV carrying an electro-optical sensor payload is presented.