Low-altitude UAVs for significantly increased data rate in tactical ad hoc networks

A concept with low-flying UAVs is suggested, that can significantly increase the radio network capacity of a mobile tactical network. Since flying relays can have free line-of-sight to each other, a capacity increase in the radio network is possible without range limitations. The main purpose for placing the UAVs at a low altitude is to make them difficult to detect at a distance, by radar, signal surveillance or responsive jammers. From this aspect, a position just above the tree tops is preferable. In the present study, such a concept was analyzed in six snapshots from the Anglova scenario, showing that a limited number of UAVs at low altitudes makes it possible to use 10 times the link data rates commonly used today and still achieve a connected network. Based on the results, it is apparent that for the evaluated snapshots it is possible to connect the network at high data rates with a fairly small UAV network, around a tenth of the size of the ground network, flying at tree-top altitude (25 m).