Robust UAS Communications and Loss of Link Operational Impact

A comprehensive set of solutions is presented for the task of monitoring, diagnosing, preventing and mitigating a loss of link contingency occurrence during a UAS operation. Many aspects have been flight tested, specific hardware has been developed, and extensive coordination has been conducted with air traffic authorities to establish protocols for different contingency situations. This paper includes performance results in the form of operational reliability and weaknesses, and monitorization and prevention tools. In the event of a service disruption, mitigation protocols and priorities are presented. The objectives stressed safety concerns while maximizing predictability and situational awareness for all stakeholders.