Applications | UAV Relay
UAV Relay for Tactical Communication and Data Link Extension
Vectorbirds UAV relay solutions extend radio, data link and IP networks by positioning elevated communication nodes above terrain, obstacles, vehicles or mission areas.
Used as a UAV relay for tactical communication and data link extension, the system can improve network reach, support MANET/mesh structures and provide an elevated communication point for mobile or stationary operations.
Depending on the mission profile, the relay UAV can be configured for battery-powered short-duration use, tethered operation or TELEVATOR-based deployment from a suitable mobile or remote platform.
Network Coverage
Elevated Communication Nodes for Radio, Data Link and IP Networks
A UAV can be deployed as an elevated communication node when direct radio or data links are limited by terrain, buildings, vegetation or insufficient antenna height. The elevated position improves line-of-sight conditions between participants and can significantly extend tactical network coverage.
Combined with an IP-based data link architecture, control data, payload data, video streams and network access can be routed through suitable radio, mesh or tether connections. The specific configuration depends on mission profile, frequency band, data rate, payload, power supply and integration environment.
Operational Value
Why UAV Relay Can Be Critical in the Field
In real mission environments, communication gaps are often caused not by a lack of transmission power, but by topography, obstruction and unfavorable antenna positions. A UAV relay can improve communication range by supporting radio and data links from a more effective geometric position.
This enables a UAV to serve as a tactical radio relay between ground forces, vehicles, sensors, control stations or additional unmanned systems. This capability is particularly relevant when situational awareness data, EO/IR video streams or network connections must be transmitted over longer distances or across terrain obstacles.
Operating Modes
Battery, Tether and Mobile Platform Integration
UAV relay systems can be operated on battery power, via tether or as part of a mobile platform architecture, depending on the mission. Battery operation is suitable for time-limited relay tasks, rapid deployment and flexible repositioning.
For longer mission durations, tethered operation is particularly relevant. Power can be supplied through the tether cable; depending on the configuration, control, payload data and network access can also be routed through the cable. This turns the UAV into a continuously available sensor or communication node.
Combined with mobile platform integration, a relay UAV can be deployed from suitable vehicle, carrier or remote operating platforms. This enables flexible relay architectures for stationary, mobile or partially remote mission profiles.
System Integration
Integration into MANET, Mesh and IP-Based Communication Architectures
Relay UAVs can be integrated into MANET/mesh networks to extend existing communication architectures from the air. The focus is not only on radio range, but also on stable integration of participants, payloads, control stations and network services.
Vectorbirds can integrate customer-specific radio modules, data link systems, network components and payload interfaces into suitable UAV platforms. Depending on the system architecture, MAVLink-based control data, IP video streams, telemetry, payload control and network access can be routed through defined communication paths.
Vectorbirds Systems
Suitable Vectorbirds Systems for UAV Relay Applications
Different Vectorbirds systems can be used for UAV relay applications depending on mission duration, payload, communication module and operating mode. The selection is not based on platform size alone, but on the required network function, power supply, payload integration and mission environment.
VECTIS Relay M2
Primary relay platform · M-class / Medium · Generation 2
VECTIS Relay M2 is the primary Vectorbirds platform for tactical relay, data link and network tasks. Depending on the configuration, the system can be integrated with suitable radio, IP or mesh data link modules.
- Tactical Relay UAV
- Radio / IP data link
- MANET / Mesh
- Tether preferred
TELEVATOR
Mobile platform architecture · Vehicle-based or remote
TELEVATOR combines UAV, tether system and mobile platform into a mission-oriented architecture for continuous sensor or relay tasks from suitable vehicle, carrier or remote operating platforms.
- Mobile platform
- Tethered operation
- Remote operation
- Relay architecture
TETHER
Power, data and control via cable · configuration-dependent
The TETHER system enables cable-based power supply, control, payload data transmission and network connectivity for a UAV in an elevated relay position, depending on the configuration.
- Power supply
- Data connection
- Fiber optional
- Buffer battery
VECTIS X Fusion M2
Dual-deck architecture · Recon + relay fusion
VECTIS X Fusion M2 extends the relay profile through a dual-deck architecture with four usable rails for batteries, relay hardware, tether components or customer-specific special payloads.
- Recon + Relay
- Dual-deck
- 4 usable rails
- Payload / battery / TVM
Request Configuration
Configure UAV Relay Solutions for Specific Mission Profiles
UAV relay is not a standard function that should be evaluated independently of the mission context. Relevant factors include terrain, required network coverage, data rate, radio module, payload, power supply, mission duration and integration into existing command or network structures.
Vectorbirds supports the project integration of UAV relay solutions from platform selection and payload integration through to data link architecture and mission-oriented system testing.