Review of prediction methods for low-elevation aerospace systems and new achievements

Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAV) datalinks are among the most critical technologies in a large number of future UAV applications. The main characteristics of Line Of Sight (LOS) datalinks for UAV are medium and long range paths, and low elevation angle, whereas the frequency may range from VHF and UHF up to Ku and Ka bands. As far as available statistical prediction models are concerned, there is a lack of accurate and validated models for this type of low-elevation long-range configuration, for gas, cloud, and rain attenuation, as well as scintillation and multipath fading. The paper will review the most recent developments that have been performed to improve this situation, and collaborative activity conducted and planned in the framework of COST 0802 Action.

I. Introduction

Unmanned Airborne Vehicles (UAV) datalinks are among the most critical technologies in a large number of future UAV applications. These applications are more and more increasing, either for civilian purpose (environment monitoring, atmospheric research, geological surveys, weather forecasting, oceanographic observations, fishery & agriculture monitoring), public security missions (search & rescue; catastrophe situation assessment; disaster operations, pollution monitoring, forest fire detection, law enforcement missions: Road traffic monitoring and control; urban surveillance, Maritime & Coastline monitoring, international border patrol against drug & arms traffic) or defence applications.