Cellular Connectivity Risk-Aware Flight Path Planning for Bvlos UAV Operations

This study develops a framework to advance Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight operations, focusing on assessing and incorporating the risks associated with cellular connectivity degradation or loss in flight path planning. We utilize stochastic metrics for a detailed analysis of cellular communication reliability, forming the core of our navigation strategy. The process is carried out in four steps: 1) Surveying the operational area to create maps that probabilistically represent cellular network signal connectivity; 2) Utilizing these maps over the potential flight volume, for flight path planning aimed at minimizing the likelihood of losing communication while adhering to shortest route; 3) Carrying out the flight according to the optimized route; and 4) Updating and refining the probabilistic maps with data collected during the flight. This approach not only achieves a balance between operational efficiency and the minimization of connectivity risks but also systematically enhances the reliability and safety of BVLOS UAV operations. Integrating stochastic cellular network assessments into UAV flight planning, this work paves the way for safer and more robust BVLOS operations.