Development of a versatile ADS-B communications system

Abstract

The Versatile ADS-B Communication System (VACS) is a card that can be mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to transmit an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) signal. The lightweight and cost-effective ADS-B transmitter can increase UAV visibility to aircraft. Weighing only 100 grams, the card can be easily carried by most UAVs while maintaining affordability for hobbyists. The small, lightweight ADS-B transmitter mounted on a UAV is able to communicate the location, altitude, and heading data of a UAV to any nearby aircraft, drastically reducing the likelihood of a tragic collision. A prototype VACS has been successfully designed and tested.