Command and Control Systems

Drone C2 links may use a variety of different communications technologies. Line-of-sight (LOS) drones will typically use a RF (radio frequency) link such as UHF or VHF, and extremely short-range drones may use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Cellular services such as 3G, 4G and 5G may also be used, but can be of limited utility due to “dead zones” in cellular coverage. Drones operating BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight), especially military drones, are likely to use some form of satellite communications (SATCOM) service such as Inmarsat or Iridium.

RF C2 links for critical applications, such as high-altitude flights, missions involving sensitive data, or those with valuable cargo may use portions of the RF spectrum referred to as the protected spectrum.

Use of these frequency bands includes significant legal protections in order to guard against interference that could cause issues for the unmanned aircraft during flight.

UAV Command and Control Systems

UAV command and control is typically performed via the ground control station (GCS), which may be built around hardware such as a laptop or desktop PC, or a portable device such as a tablet or mobile phone. The GCS will have a C2 radio or other communications device built in that allows autonomous commands or remote control, and will also enable the drone to send telemetry data back to the GCS. The control station will also be able to send commands to and receive data from payloads installed on the UAV.