RPA Flight Control Link Selection Based on Operation Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control systems for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) require low-latency, proprietary, and often military-grade communication links that are expensive and not suitable for commercial use due to restricted radio frequency bands and high RF power levels, limiting their applicability.
Innovation Solution
A flight control system that includes an RPA and a ground-based control centre configured to communicate using multiple communication systems, allowing selection of a more reliable or lower-cost system based on operation risk, utilizing WiFi, cellular, and satellite communication systems, and incorporating risk assessment algorithms to manage operations safely and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary military-grade communication links are used, then reliability is improved, but cost increases and commercial applicability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communication systems based on operational risk assessment. The computer system evaluates risk factors and automatically chooses between different communication systems (satellite, cellular, WiFi, radio) to maintain reliable control while adapting to commercial operational contexts and cost constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight control system is designed to work with multiple types of communication systems simultaneously. It can operate with satellite communication for high-reliability missions, cellular networks for moderate-risk operations, and WiFi or radio for low-risk commercial applications, making the system universally applicable across different commercial use cases.
2Speed
If low-latency communication links are used, then control responsiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts communication requirements based on operational phase and risk assessment. During critical phases like takeoff and landing, it uses low-latency satellite or cellular links. During stable cruise phases with lower risk, it can switch to higher-latency but lower-cost communication systems, optimizing both responsiveness and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters such as data transmission frequency and latency tolerance based on operational context. For low-risk commercial operations, it increases latency tolerance to enable use of cheaper communication infrastructure, while maintaining safety through risk-based adaptive control strategies.
3Reliability
If restricted RF licensed bands and high RF power levels are used, then communication reliability is improved, but legislative compliance becomes difficult and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate across multiple radio frequency bands and communication standards. It can switch between licensed and unlicensed bands, and between different power levels, depending on legislative requirements of the operating region. This multi-functionality enables compliance with diverse international regulations while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts RF power levels and frequency band selection based on operational context and legislative constraints. For commercial operations in regulated environments, it operates at lower power levels in licensed bands. For remote operations where legislation allows, it can increase power levels to maintain reliability, thus adapting to different regulatory frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a flight control system, the flight control system including a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and a ground-based control centre, wherein the RPA and the ground-based control centre are configured to communicate using a plurality of different communication systems, wherein the RPA includes a computer system configured to determine operation risk, wherein the computer system receives input from the ground-based control centre for use in the determination of operation risk, wherein the computer system is configured to select a communication system from the plurality of different communication systems, and to use the selected communication system for communication between the RPA and the ground-based control centre, based on the determined operation risk.