Communications system for use with unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices relating to a communications system for use with unmanned aerial vehicles. The communications system is equipped with a controller/processor, a satellite-based communications module, and an RF-based communications module. Both communications modules are coupled to an autopilot module and to sensor modules so that commands can be received by the autopilot module from the communication modules. As well, the flight characteristics can be received from the sensor modules and can be transmitted to a base station by way of the communications modules. For short to medium range missions, the RF-based communications module is active with the satellite based communications module providing a backup communications link. For medium to long rage missions, the satellite based communications module is active and the base station and the UAV communicate by way of this module.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.