Research Summaries

Back Evaluation and Implementation of the Rapids Pointing Module (RPM) for Improved Throughput and Video Quality and Range of a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (SUAV)

Fiscal Year 2009
Division Graduate School of Operational & Information Sciences
Department Information Sciences
Investigator(s) Hayward, Justin A.
Sponsor Space & Naval Warfare Systems Center-Pacific (Navy)
Summary This thesis will be a system-level test and evaluation of the RAPIDS Pointing Module (RPM) to determine the throughput/video quality and range improvements of a Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAV) operating in varied terrain, varied flight paths, and harsh climatic conditions. The RPM is used for directional alignment of antennas, cameras, and other sensors. This improved and inherently secure communication path will better support the ability of SUAV sensor systems (video) to provide more accurate, higher quality data in the area of interest. This thesis project will utilize a high gain directional narrow beam antenna to significantly reduce the RF footprint and decrease an enemy's ability to intercept video/data transferred within a fast deployed network. The exploration of the capability to continuously track and align towards a SUAV while extending the range with a static or dynamic ground control station provides a tremendous benefit. It will offer persistent, real-time battlefield surveillance and target identification to improve battle situational awareness and operational responsiveness. All video and data retrieved by an SUAV, HUMVEE, mobile war fighter and various sensors will be disseminated within the situational display system RAPIDS illustrated in Figure I.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal