Performance of Integrated Relay-RIS in UAV Systems: A Selection Combining Approach

This paper explores the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV s) with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and relay networks to enhance the performance of the communication systems. We introduce a system model that combines relay and RIS functionalities on a UAV, operating in an integrated relay-RIS mode with selection combining. Our work focuses on critical performance metrics, such as outage probability (OP) and average symbol error rate (ASER), under realistic channel conditions modeled with Nakagami-m fading. We derive analytical expressions for OP and SER, validated through comprehensive simulations, demonstrating substantial improvements in reliability over standalone systems. This re-search provides a robust framework for deploying integrated relay-RIS systems, addressing the challenges of dynamic and complex communication scenarios, and paving the way for transformative applications in smart cities, emergency response, and remote connectivity.