Abstract: An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) control apparatus is disclosed. In embodiments, the UAS control apparatus is embodied in a control station to manage command and control (C2) functions for UAS operations in a designated coverage volume including a geofenced interference region proximate to the control station, controlling each UAS via connections on a spectrum of C2 channels. The UAS control apparatus generates flight plans for UAS operations, providing separation and keeping UAS operations away from the control station to minimize RF interference with other UAS C2 connections. Should a UAS be required to operate proximate to the control station, the UAS control apparatus employs dynamic spectrum management with respect to other concurrently operating UAS to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate RF interference resulting from the encroaching UAS.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mission fulfillment via unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within a mission space generates or receives atmospheric models forecasting weather and wind through the mission space, the atmospheric models having an uncertainty factor. Until the projected flight time, the controller may iterate through one or more simulations of a projected flight plan through the mission space, determining the probability of successful fulfillment of mission objectives based on the most current atmospheric models (including the ability of the UAS to navigate the flight plan within authorized airspace constraints). Based on conditions and behaviors observed during a simulated flight plan, the controller may revise flight plans, flight times, or atmospheric models for subsequent simulations. Based on multiple probabilities of fulfillment across multiple simulations, the controller selects an optimal flight plan and/or flight time for fulfillment of the assigned set of mission objectives.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is disclosed. In embodiments, the UAS includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and a controller communicatively coupled to the UAV. In embodiments, the UAS controller may be configured to: acquire a command and control (C2) link quality model for a planned route; generate one or more control signals configured to cause the UAV to perform a monitored flight along a planned route; acquire actual C2 link quality data during the monitored flight along the planned route; compare the actual C2 link quality data to the C2 link quality model; identify a C2 link quality deviation between the actual C2 link quality and the C2 link quality model; and generate one or more control signals configured to cause the UAV to perform one or more prescribed flight plan maneuvers if the identified C2 link quality deviation (?C2LQ) exceeds a threshold deviation value (C2thresh).

Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is disclosed. In embodiments, the UAS includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and a controller communicatively coupled to the UAV. In embodiments, the UAS controller may be configured to: acquire a command and control (C2) link quality model for a planned route; generate one or more control signals configured to cause the UAV to perform a monitored flight along a planned route; acquire actual C2 link quality data during the monitored flight along the planned route; compare the actual C2 link quality data to the C2 link quality model; identify a C2 link quality deviation between the actual C2 link quality and the C2 link quality model; and generate one or more control signals configured to cause the UAV to perform one or more prescribed flight plan maneuvers if the identified C2 link quality deviation (?C2LQ) exceeds a threshold deviation value (C2thresh).

Abstract: An unmanned aerial system (UAS) is disclosed. In embodiments, the UAS includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a controller communicatively coupled to the UAV. In embodiments, the UAS controller may be configured to: acquire a surveillance quality model for a prescribed flight path; generate one or more control signals configured to cause the UAV to perform a monitored flight along the prescribed flight path; acquire actual surveillance quality data during the monitored flight along the prescribed flight path; compare the actual surveillance quality data to the surveillance quality model; identify a surveillance quality deviation between the actual surveillance quality and the surveillance quality model; and generate one or more control signals configured to cause the UAV to perform one or more corrective actions or maneuvers if the identified surveillance quality deviation exceeds a threshold deviation value.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing mission fulfillment via unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within a mission space generates or receives atmospheric models forecasting weather and wind through the mission space, the atmospheric models having an uncertainty factor. Until the projected flight time, the controller may iterate through one or more simulations of a projected flight plan through the mission space, determining the probability of successful fulfillment of mission objectives based on the most current atmospheric models (including the ability of the UAS to navigate the flight plan within authorized airspace constraints). Based on conditions and behaviors observed during a simulated flight plan, the controller may revise flight plans, flight times, or atmospheric models for subsequent simulations. Based on multiple probabilities of fulfillment across multiple simulations, the controller selects an optimal flight plan and/or flight time for fulfillment of the assigned set of mission objectives.

Abstract: An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) control apparatus is disclosed. In embodiments, the UAS control apparatus is embodied in a control station to manage command and control (C2) functions for UAS operations in a designated coverage volume including a geofenced interference region proximate to the control station, controlling each UAS via connections on a spectrum of C2 channels. The UAS control apparatus generates flight plans for UAS operations, providing separation and keeping UAS operations away from the control station to minimize RF interference with other UAS C2 connections. Should a UAS be required to operate proximate to the control station, the UAS control apparatus employs dynamic spectrum management with respect to other concurrently operating UAS to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate RF interference resulting from the encroaching UAS.