Datalink System Maturation and Flight Testing of the Sagitta UAS Demonstrator

Abstract

This paper describes the maturation of the datalink system of the Sagitta Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) demonstrator. Based on the development of the communication system incorporating three different datalinks and backup functionalities the test concept is described. The tests are aligned with the system breakdown and split up into different levels. Basic testing of subsystems on a bench or in a Rig environment aims to verify the requirements at the lowest possible part. Herein the different nature of bought and self-developed components puts different demands on the nature of tests. Range tests using free space transmission including carry flight tests verify the radiation characteristics of the datalinks, whereas further ground and flight tests see the datalinks installed and tested within the aircraft including all the interfaces and ground test equipment. Ultimately the first flight campaign is the verification of the datalinks in their installed and final configuration and intended environment. Results of these flights are described and compared to previously performed ground and flight testing and the achievable ranges for the designed datalink system are derived. The paper concludes with a summary that compares initial design decisions with the performance of final system and describes the main aspects and benefits of the datalink system testing.