Persistent aerial communication and control system

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system comprising:

• a UAV having a data processor, wherein the data processor is configured to control a plurality of adjustable operating parameters of the UAV;
• a tether connectable to the UAV, wherein the tether is configured to provide data communication and power to the UAV from a portable base control housing, which comprises a base station controller, wherein at least one of the plurality of adjustable operating parameters comprises a data transmission rate between the UAV and the base station controller via the tether, wherein the data transmission rate is displayed on a first window of a display control unit of the portable base control housing, wherein the tether comprises one or more lights configured to emit light, and wherein the tether includes a Kevlar layer extending with a twisted pair of wires;
• a tether retainer, wherein the tether retainer comprises a fixed spool;
• a power management system on the UAV that is connectable to the tether and a battery to control power usage of the UAV;
• one or more high voltage transformers connected to the portable base station housing and configured to isolate an electrical charge, and wherein the portable base station housing weighs 28 kilograms or less;
• a temperature sensor within the portable base station housing to monitor an air temperature;
• and
• a servo configured to control an air flow by adjusting a first portion and a second portion of the air flow based on the monitored air temperature, wherein the first portion of the air flow is directed to exit from the tether retainer and the second portion of the air flow is directed to the base station controller.

A base station system for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the base station system comprising:

• a tether connectable to the UAV and configured to provide data communication and power to the UAV;
• a portable base control housing including:
• a base station control system having at least one data processor and a direct current (DC/DC) converter, the base station control system configured to provide power and data signals to the UAV with the tether and control, using a plurality of adjustable operating parameters, operation of the UAV, wherein at least one of the plurality of adjustable operating parameters comprises a data transmission rate between the base station control system and the UAV via the tether;
• a display control unit comprising:
• a display;
• a graphical user interface configured to:
• display a first display window configured to display the data transmission rate;
• a heat control mechanism located within the portable base control housing, wherein the heat control mechanism comprises:
• a thermally conductive plate;
• and
• a fan configured to deliver an air flow to provide forced convection within the portable base control housing;
• a tether retainer mounted on a first side of the thermally conductive plate, wherein the base station control system is mounted on a second side of the thermally conductive plate;
• a temperature sensor within the portable base control housing to monitor air temperature;
• and
• a servo configured to control the air flow by adjusting a first portion and a second portion of the air flow based on the monitored air temperature, wherein the first portion of the air flow is directed to exit radially from the tether retainer and the second portion of the air flow is directed to the base station control system.