What is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of lost-link situations in sUAS operations?

Having many redundant and backup systems is an effective strategy to reduce the risk of lost-link situations in sUAS operations because it ensures that if one system fails, others can take over seamlessly. Redundancy in communications, control systems, and power sources enhances the reliability of the operation. For instance, if the primary communication link is interrupted due to interference or malfunction, a backup communication system can maintain control of the UAV, preventing it from becoming lost.

This approach significantly increases the safety of the operation, as operators can remain in control even in challenging environments or when unexpected issues arise. By employing multiple systems that can override or support each other, the likelihood of losing communication with the drone is minimized, allowing for continued operation or safe recovery.

In contrast, limiting the range of the UAV may not effectively address the issue of lost-link situations, especially if the UAV is still within a communication range that is subject to interference. Using a single communication channel creates a single point of failure, increasing the risk of loss if that channel encounters issues. Regular maintenance checks are important for overall safety but do not specifically target the prevention of lost-link scenarios effectively as redundancy does.