RPA Communication Switching Based on Operational Risk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flight control systems for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) require low-latency, proprietary, and often military-grade communication links, which 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 utilizes a plurality of communication systems, including WiFi, cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE), and low-power RF, allowing the RPA to dynamically select the most appropriate system based on operation risk, reducing costs and ensuring reliability.
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 deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single RPA platform to operate across multiple communication paradigms (military-grade, commercial, public networks) by integrating diverse communication modules. This multi-functionality allows the same aircraft to serve both military and commercial applications, resolving the contradiction between reliability and commercial applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters including latency tolerance, bandwidth requirements, and security protocols based on the operational context. By changing these parameters, the system can switch between high-reliability military modes and cost-effective commercial modes, enabling adaptability across different application domains.
2Speed
If low-latency communication systems are used, then operational control is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects communication systems based on real-time operational requirements, mission phase, and risk assessment. During critical phases requiring low latency, the system activates premium communication channels, while during routine operations, it switches to cost-effective alternatives, optimizing both performance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground-based control centre acts as an intermediary that receives input from multiple communication systems simultaneously, processes information, and determines the optimal communication path. This intermediary layer enables cost-effective aggregation of communication options while maintaining operational control.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant communication channels are used, then reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system continuously monitors the operational risk level and communication status, receiving input from the ground-based control centre. Based on this feedback, it automatically adjusts which communication channels are active and selects the appropriate system, simplifying operation despite the presence of multiple redundant channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The RPA's computer system autonomously selects and manages communication channels based on determined operation risk levels without requiring constant manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity of managing multiple communication systems while maintaining reliability.
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.