Aerospace & Defense Technology - May 2021 - 28

Tech Briefs

none exist, a new tool will need to be
built using the lessons learned and scoring models of similar domains that
have seen success.
The approach consists of first analyzing and comparing many of the similar
domains' risk assessments for applicability to small UAVs and defining the
best set of objectives for a new risk assessment based on the unique characteristics. Utilizing the closest risk assessment to the required need, a new cyber
risk assessment specific to small UAVs
will be defined with as little deviance
from the scoring model as possible to
maximize the value of the chosen tool's

lessons learned. The new tool will then
be analyzed against a multitude of case
studies to verify its ability to easily and
accurately quantify associated risk of
the vehicles to mission scenarios. Lastly,
from the analysis of the case studies, a
proposal for objectives that a hardwarein-the-loop simulation for small UAVs
must meet will be presented.
The analysis of similar domains' risk
assessments assumes that all practical
assessments have been discovered. It is
expected that there are many risk assessments that are not public domain or
unclassified that may relate to this research. This research also assumes that

all publicly available specifications and
configurations of utilized small UAVs
(under 55 pounds per FAA regulations)
are correct. This research is limited to
risk assessments for only small UAV
platforms due to the unique characteristics, though there may be benefits or applicability of the new tool to larger
UAVs.
This work was done by Dillon M. Pettit
for the Air Force Institute of Technology. For
more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white
paper) at www.aerodefensetech.com/tsp
under the Unmanned Vehicles & Robotics category. AFIT-0001

Modeling a UAV-Based Mesh Network to Analyze Latency
and Throughput
Improving network technology through effective systems architecture can ensure better communication
between a ground station and multiple UAVs.
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California

s the military has moved toward network-centric operations, unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly valuable for capturing realtime information for joint operations on
the ground. Several attributes inherent
in electronic systems architecture, how-

UAV networks are made up of seven layers to establish the telecommunication capability.

that arise with electronic systems architecture in this regard. F-15 fighters shot
down a U.S. Blackhawk in a no-fly zone
area due to the failure of the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system, among
other failures.
Managing complex flight capabilities
systems requires building efficient systems architecture. This efficient systems
architecture requires a comprehensive
and integrated effort to reduce human
error caused by electronic systems in
various military operation services. This
challenge of integration necessitates
standardization of electronic systems to
run all systems efficiently as one, which
in turn requires researchers and engineers to agree on electronic specification and standardized military aviation
capabilities.
While aviation has changed since the
friendly fire incident, the issue of how
to design an aviation electronics system
architecture that integrates with other
aviation systems in battle still remains.
In particular, as the military moves toward network-centric operations, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) will be
valuable for capturing real-time information for joint operations on the

Aerospace & Defense Technology, May 2021

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ever, contribute to issues in using these
systems today. Enhancing the capabilities of electronic systems requires reinforcing the command and control cycle
and supporting the frontline mission.
A friendly fire incident in northern
Iraq in 1991 displayed several problems
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Aerospace & Defense Technology - May 2021

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