Cooperative UAV Networks based on Distributed Space-Time Block Codes

Abstract

In this paper, we propose the cooperative flexible topology network protocol for the effective techniques of the unmanned aero vehicle (UAV) using formation flight control (FFC) based on distributed space-time block code (DSTBC). We consider two cases which are decode-and-forward (DF) relaying method for 4 UAVs with the arrangement of square form and 3-hop amplify-and-forward (AF) relaying scheme for 6 UAVs maintaining the placement of a hexagon shape, and then we apply the appropriate DSTBC schemes for each cases. Through comparing with various the bit error rate (BER) simulation results and performing preliminary flight tests, we can prove to guarantee the high reliable FFC in the proposed cases.