Drone Mesh Navigation Using Downed Beacons Under EW Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drones are vulnerable to electronic warfare (EW) tactics such as GPS jamming and communication interference, leading to operational failures and reduced effectiveness in combat operations.
Innovation Solution
Repurpose downed drones as navigational beacons or communication nodes within a mesh network, leveraging their remaining capabilities to support operational continuity of active drones through RF or visual signals encoded with location data and forming a self-sustaining aerial network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drones rely on GPS and communication systems for navigation and control, then navigation accuracy and operational control are improved, but vulnerability to electronic warfare attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electronic warfare (GPS jamming and communication interference) into a beneficial feature by implementing alternative navigation methods. When GPS is jammed or communication is interfered with, the drone automatically switches to inertial navigation using onboard sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to maintain navigation accuracy without relying on vulnerable external signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between different navigation modes based on signal availability. When GPS signal quality degrades or communication interference is detected, the system transitions from GPS-dependent navigation to inertial navigation, adjusting navigation parameters such as position update frequency, velocity calculation methods, and orientation reference sources to maintain accuracy in EW-contested environments.
2Productivity
If drones maintain full operational systems during missions, then mission capability and functionality are improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic system management where non-essential systems are deactivated during downed state operations. The drone dynamically adjusts its operational mode: when operational, full systems are active for complete mission capability; when downed, non-essential systems (cameras, payload devices, high-power transmitters) are deactivated while maintaining minimal essential functions (inertial sensors, low-power beacon transmission, basic navigation) to extend operational duration with limited power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing power allocation based on operational state. When the drone transitions to downed state, it autonomously prioritizes power distribution to critical navigation and communication functions while deactivating non-essential systems, eliminating the need for external power management intervention and maximizing the use of remaining power reserves.
3Extent of automation
If drones operate independently without network connectivity, then operational autonomy is improved, but navigational resilience in EW environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation system into independent functional modules: inertial navigation module, GPS module, and relative positioning module. This segmentation allows the drone to operate autonomously using inertial navigation when GPS is unavailable, while still maintaining the capability to improve accuracy through relative positioning with other drones when network connectivity is restored, thus achieving both operational autonomy and navigational resilience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces relative positioning between drones as an intermediary method to bridge independent operation and networked collaboration. When network connectivity is interrupted, drones use their own inertial sensors for autonomous navigation; when connectivity is partially restored or for improved accuracy, they use relative position measurements from nearby drones as an intermediary reference system, enhancing navigational resilience without requiring continuous external GPS or command-link connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Drone resilience against electronic warfare (EW) is enhanced by repurposing “downed” drones as navigational beacons or communication nodes within a mesh network. The techniques leverage remaining capabilities of the downed drones to support the operational continuity of active drones, creating a self-sustaining and robust aerial network. The downed drones are repurposed into passive navigational beacons or communication nodes to assist active drones—those still flying on a same or overlapping mission—in overcoming EW threats. The navigational beacons may include radio frequency (RF) signals or visual signals (e.g., infra-red (IR) or light emitting diode (LED) lights) encoded with location or position data of the downed drone. Active drones may use this position data to estimate their own positions and navigate accordingly to continue their missions.