Real-Time Long-Range Control of an Autonomous UAV Using 4G LTE Network

Highlights What are the main findings? The proposed UAV control system entailing a 4G LTE network and a cloud server was capable of maintaining a stable connection over a long distance of approximately 4200 km (Operator -> Ground Control Station -> UAV). The system provided seamless control and clear video streaming with an average latency of less than 150 ms during flight tests conducted under normal LTE capacity and internet load conditions. What are the implications of the main findings? This study shows that commercial 4G LTE networks can be used for long-range UAV flight operations without needing special or expensive equipment. This setup can be even more effective in UAV applications when operated with 5G/6G networks or satellite connections.Highlights What are the main findings? The proposed UAV control system entailing a 4G LTE network and a cloud server was capable of maintaining a stable connection over a long distance of approximately 4200 km (Operator -> Ground Control Station -> UAV). The system provided seamless control and clear video streaming with an average latency of less than 150 ms during flight tests conducted under normal LTE capacity and internet load conditions. What are the implications of the main findings? This study shows that commercial 4G LTE networks can be used for long-range UAV flight operations without needing special or expensive equipment. This setup can be even more effective in UAV applications when operated with 5G/6G networks or satellite connections.Abstract The operational range and reliability of most commercially available UAVs employed in surveillance, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection missions are limited due to the use of short-range radio frequency connections. To alleviate this issue, the present work investigates the possibility of real-time long-distance UAV control using a commercial 4G LTE network. The proposed system setup consists of a Raspberry Pi 4B as the onboard computer, connected to a Pixhawk-2.4 flight controller mounted on an F450 quadcopter platform. Flight tests were carried out in open-field conditions at altitudes up to 50 m above ground level (AGL). Communication between the UAV and the ground control station is established using TCP and UDP protocols. The flight tests demonstrated stable remote control operation, maintaining an average control delay of under 150 ms and a video quality resolution of 640x480, while the LTE bandwidth ranging from 3 Mbps to 55 Mbps. The farthest recorded test distance of around 4200 km from the UAV to the operator also indicates the capability of LTE systems for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The results show that 4G LTE offers an effective method for extending UAV range at a reasonable cost, but there are limitations in terms of network performance, flight time and regulatory compliance. This study establishes essential groundwork for future UAV operations that will utilize 5G/6G and satellite communication systems.