Bridging Operational and Strategic Communication Architectures Integrating Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems As Airborne Tactical Communication Vertical Nodes

• Main Author: Menjivar, Jose D.
• Other Authors: MacKinnon, Douglas J.
• Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/17418

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited === The United States Department of Defense enterprise communication architectures are presently designed to support large-scale fixed organizations and rely primarily on satellite mediums. However, they are inadequate in tactical level environments, and are not readily available nor affordable to support multiple operators in various tactical locations. Incorporating Small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with communication repeaters could expand local mobile ad-hoc networks coverage for users in communications degraded environments and reduce satellite dependency. The proof of concept is focused on leveraging existing Government Off The Shelf (GOTS) technology with ever increasing Small-UAS functionality to explore the potential reduction of communication inadequacies in tactical environments. Through the efforts of this thesis, the goal is to extend and enhance beyond line of sight (BLOS) and on-the-move communications at the small unit level. The findings provide face validation that Small-UAS equipped with a communication payload can provide these services that enhance voice transmissions, and thus, enable TCP/IP data transfer in communication degraded environments without interfering with the Small-UAS primary ISR function or airworthiness. Future efforts in this line of inquiry may also inform the use of multiple Small-UAS to extend the networks and autonomous operations, and perhaps, eliminate the requirement for a ground Small-UAS operator.