Method for determining the energy characteristics of laser radiation for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle via an atmospheric optical channel

Problem statement. Unmanned aerial vehicles of a small class in a complex electromagnetic environment, when traditional radio channels are ineffective, can be controlled via an atmospheric optical channel. Accidental deflections of the laser beam during guidance and control lead to the exit of the unmanned aerial vehicle from the radiation area and loss of control. One of the ways to solve this problem is to increase the angle of divergence of laser radiation, but it entails a decrease in the radiation intensity at the input of the receiving device, which can also lead to loss of control.

Purpose. Development of a methodology for determining the energy characteristics of laser radiation for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle via an atmospheric optical channel.

Results. Based on the assessment of the distribution of the laser radiation intensity in the plane of the receiving device aperture, taking into account the laser beam pointing errors, a technique has been developed that makes it possible to determine the requirements for the energy characteristics of the laser radiation of the transmitting channel, which ensures effective control of an unmanned aerial vehicle in a given flight radius.

Practical significance. The proposed technique makes it possible to determine the optimal characteristics of laser radiation required for efficient control of a small unmanned aerial vehicle using the atmospheric optical channel, taking into account the errors in aiming the laser beam at the receiver aperture.