Safety of UAV Operations Around Base Transceiver Stations: Field Measurements and Analysis of Electromagnetic Interference

The advent of 5G technology and its impact on UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) operations inside of urban areas is a topic of growing importance in the field of drone flight safety. This study explores the electromagnetic compatibility between base transceiver stations (BTS) of various cellular networks, from 2G to 5G, and UAV operations. Focusing on the potential interference mechanisms such as spurious emissions, harmonic frequencies, and fundamental receiver overload, the research encompasses detailed field measurements of radio spectrum and RF intensity around BTS sites, coupled with practical UAV test flights. The findings provide insights into the interactions between UAV operations and cellular network transmissions, especially in dense urban environments, contributing to the safe integration of UAVs in these increasingly complex electromagnetic landscapes.