Distributed Self-allocated Time Slot Reuse: Multi-hop Communication in Rigid UAV Formations

Abstract: Deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in autonomous formations necessitates accurate and timely communication of safety information. A communication protocol that supports timely and successful transfer of safety information between UAVs is therefore needed. This paper presents Distributed Self-allocated Time slot Reuse (D-STR). Our D-STR protocol addresses the essential task of communicating safety information in rigid Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) formations with different network topologies, enabling collision-free deployment of the formation. This is an important step for improving the safety and practicality of UAV formations in application scenarios that span a range of industries.