WO2009139937A2

WO2009139937A2 - Unmanned aerial system position reporting system and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2009139937A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/034088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Douglas V. Limbaugh; David H. Barnhard; Thomas H. Rychener
Original assignee: Kutta Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2008-02-15
Filing date: 2009-02-13
Publication date: 2009-11-19
Also published as: WO2009139937A3

Abstract

An unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system includes an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) of an UAS where the ATC-RS includes an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and a traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver and one or more telecommunications modems. The ATC-RS may receives position data of the UAS in an airspace from the GCS and communicates the position of the UAS to a civilian air traffic control center (ATC) or to a military command and control (C2) communication center. The ATC-RS may display the position of the UAS on one or more display screens. Implementations of related methods may include receiving position data for a UAS within a radio frequency line of sight (RFLOS) region and/or a beacon line of sight region with an ATC-RS and transmitting the position data to an ATC and one or more aircraft.

Description

UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM POSITION REPORTING SYSTEM AND

RELATED METHODS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This document claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/029,094, entitled "Unmanned Aerial System Position Reporting Systems and Related Methods" to Limbaugh, et al., which was filed on February 15, 2008, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

[0002] This invention was made with Government support under Contract FA8750- 07-C-0096 awarded by the Air Force. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of this document relate generally to control and position reporting systems for unmanned systems, such as aircraft and vehicles.

2. Background Art

[0004] Unmanned systems, particularly aircraft and ground vehicles, perform a wide variety of tasks, including mapping, reconnaissance, range finding, target location, combat, ordinance destruction, and sample collection. The use of ground or water-based unmanned vehicles conventionally involves a remote operator guiding the vehicle while manned vehicles detect the presence of the unmanned vehicle using position tracking systems and methods (visual, radar, sonar). Because of the speed and relatively small size of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) however, the use of visual and/or radar techniques to detect the presence of the UAS may make it difficult for pilots of manned aircraft to avoid a collision. To reduce the risk of collision, many conventional UASs are operated in "sterilized" airspace which has been previously cleared of all manned air traffic by air traffic controllers. SUMMARY

[0005] First implementations of unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting systems may include an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) of an unmanned aerial system where the ATC-RS includes an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and a traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver and one or more telecommunication modems. The ATC-RS may be adapted to receive position data of the UAS in an airspace from the GCS and communicate the position of the UAS in the airspace to a civilian air traffic control center (ATC) or to a military command and control (C2) communication center through an ADS-B signal or through a TIS-B signal through the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver. The ATC-RS may also be adapted to communicate with a civilian ATC or with a military C2 communication center through voice and data using the one or more telecommunication modems. The ATC-RS may be adapted to display the position of the UAS in the airspace on one or more display screens coupled with the ATC-RS.

[0006] First implementations of UAS position reporting systems may include one, all, or any of the following:

[0007] The ATC-RS may be further adapted to communicate the position of the UAS in a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586 signal; a Cursor on Target (CoT) formatted signal; an ADS-B signal or TIS-B signal; a Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS) signal; or an All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX) signal.

[0008] The ATC-RS may further include a UAS position data collector included in the GCS of the UAS and adapted to receive position data for the UAS in the airspace from the GCS and a communications input/output (I/O) circuit adapted to receive position data of the UAS in the airspace through a universal serial bus (USB) port connection with the GCS and to route data and voice information within the ATC-RS, where the communications I/O circuit is coupled with the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver and the one or more telecommunication modems. The ATC-RS may also include an air traffic control (ATC) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a civilian position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a civilian ATC data format. A command and control (C2) communication formatting module may be included and coupled with the communications I/O circuit. The C2 communication formatting module may be adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a military position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a military C2 communication center data format. A voice link module may also be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and may be adapted to receive voice information from a microphone and to convert the voice information to a voice data signal.

[0009] The communications input/output (I/O) circuit may further include a USB hub, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) and RS-422 to USB interface, one or more power converters, an embedded flash drive, and an external power supply.

[0010] The one or more telecommunication modems may be one or more satellite modems.

[0011] Second implementations of unmanned aerial system reporting systems may include an unmanned aerial system (UAS) ground control station (GCS) adapted to receive or generate data identifying the position of a UAS in an airspace and to allow an operator of the UAS to operate the UAS and an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with the GCS and adapted to communicate the position of the UAS in the airspace to an air traffic control center (ATC) or to a military command and control (C2) communication center. The ATC-RS may include an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver adapted to transmit the position of the UAS in the airspace to the ATC as an ADS-B signal or a TIS-B signal. The ATC-RS may also include one or more telecommunication modems adapted to allow an operator of the UAS to communicate by voice with the ATC and one or more display screens coupled with the ATC-RS adapted to display the position of the UAS in the airspace.

[0012] Second implementations of a UAS position reporting system may include one, all, or any of the following:

[0013] The ATC-RS may further include a UAS position data collector included in the GCS of the UAS and adapted to receive position data for the UAS in the airspace from the GCS. A communications input/output (I/O) circuit may be included and may be adapted to receive position data of the UAS in the airspace through a universal serial bus (USB) port connection with the GCS and the route data and voice information within the ATC-RS and may be coupled with the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver and the one or more telecommunication modems. An air traffic control (ATC) communication formatting module may be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a civilian position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a civilian ATC data format. A command and control (C2) communication formatting module may be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and may be adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a military position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a military C2 communication center data format. A voice link module may also be included that is coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive voice information from a microphone and to convert the voice information to a voice data signal.

[0014] The communications I/O circuit may further include a USB hub, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) and RS-422 to USB interface, one or more power converters, an embedded flash drive, and an external power supply.

[0015] The ATC-RS may be further adapted to communicate the position of the UAS in a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586; a Cursor on Target (CoT) formatted signal; an ADS-B or TIS-B signal; a Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS) signal, or an All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX) formatted signal.

[0016] The one or more telecommunication modems may be one or more satellite modems.

[0017] Implementations of an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) may include an unmanned aerial system (UAS) position data collector adapted to receive position data for the UAS in an airspace from a GCS and a communications input/output (I/O) circuit adapted to receive position data of the UAS in the airspace through a universal serial bus (USB) port connection with the GCS and to route data and voice information within the ATC-RS. An air traffic control (ATC) communication formatting module may be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a civilian position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a civilian ATC data format. A command and control (C2) communication formatting module may be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and may be adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a military position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a military C2 communication center data format. A voice link module may be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and may be adapted to receive voice information from a microphone and to convert the voice information to a voice data signal. One or more satellite modems may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and may be adapted to transmit the voice data signal through a voice communication network and to transmit one or more data signals to a civilian ATC or to a military C2 communication center. An automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver may be included and may be coupled with the communications I/O circuit and may be adapted to receive the civilian position data stream and the military position data stream and to transmit an ADS-B signal or a TIS-B signal corresponding with the civilian position data stream or the military position data stream.

[0018] Implementations of an ATC-RS may include one, all, or any of the following:

[0019] The military C2 communication center data format may be in a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586; Cursor on Target (CoT); Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS); or an All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX) format.

[0020] The communications I/O circuit may further include a USB hub, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) and RS-422 to USB interface, one or more power converters, an embedded flash drive, and an external power supply.

[0021] Implementations of UAS position reporting systems may utilize implementations of a first method of communicating the location of an unmanned aerial system (UAS). Implementations of the method may include receiving position data for a UAS with an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) from a ground control station (GCS) in communication with the UAS, where the ATC-RS and the GCS are coupled together and located on the ground. The method may include transmitting the position data using one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS to an air traffic control center (ATC) and transmitting the position data using an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) receiver to one or more aircraft.

[0022] Implementations of first method of communicating the location of a UAS may include one, all, or any of the following: [0023] The method may include receiving a voice signal from an operator of the UAS using the ATC-RS and transmitting the voice signal using the one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS to the ATC.

[0024] The method may include defining a beacon line of sight region using characteristics of the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver.

[0025] The method may include defining a radio frequency line of sight (RFLOS) region using the ATC-RS from characteristics of a radio frequency connection between the GCS and the UAS where the RFLOS region surrounds the ATC-RS.

[0026] The method may include defining one or more terrain shadowed regions within the RFLOS region by using the ATC-RS to locate a contour of the one or more terrain based obstructions and to specify that the one or more terrain shadowed regions exist within a predetermined distance from the contour.

[0027] The method may further include automatically rerouting the UAS as it enters the one or more terrain shadowed regions.

[0028] Implementations of unmanned aerial system position reporting systems may utilize implementations of a second method of communicating the location of a UAS. Implementations of the second method may include defining an RFLOS region surrounding an ATC using the ATC-RS and defining a beacon line of sight region surrounding the ATC- RS using the ATC-RS where the ATC-RS includes an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver. The method may further include transmitting position information of the UAS located within the RFLOS region to an ATC using one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS where the position information is generated using position data received from a GCS coupled to the ATC-RS and in communication with the UAS. The method may also include transmitting position information of the UAS using the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver of the ATC-RS to one or more aircraft located within the beacon line of sight region, where the one or more aircraft include an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver.

[0029] Implementations of a second method of communicating the location of a UAS may include one, all, or any of the following:

[0030] Defining the RFLOS region may further include using one or more characteristics of a radio frequency connection between the GCS and the UAS in defining the RFLOS region. Defining the beacon line of sight region may further include using one or more characteristics of the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver in defining the beacon line of sight region. [0031] Defining the RFLOS region and defining the beacon line of sight region may further include defining a beacon line of sight region larger than the RFLOS region.

[0032] The method may further include transmitting a voice signal from an operator of the UAS received by the ATC-RS using the one or more telecommunication modems.

[0033] The method may further include defining one or more terrain shadowed regions within the RFLOS region by locating a contour of one or more terrain based obstructions and specifying that he one or more terrain shadowed regions exist within a predetermined distance from the contour. The method may further include automatically rerouting the UAS as it enters the one or more terrain shadowed regions.

[0034] Implementations of unmanned aerial system position reporting systems may utilize implementations of a method of enabling tracking of the position of a UAS using a first ATC and at least a second ATC. Implementations of the method may include establishing a first data connection and a first voice connection with the first ATC using one or more telecommunications modems included in an ATC-RS coupled with a GCS in communication with the UAS, where the ATC-RS and the GCS are located on the ground. The method may include transmitting position information and a voice signal to the first ATC using the first data connection and the first voice connection where the position information is generated using the ATC-RS from position data received by the ATC-RS from the GCS. The method may also include defining at least a first ATC sector and a second ATC sector, where the first ATC is located in the first ATC sector and the second ATC is located in the second ATC sector. The method may also include establishing a second data connection and a second voice connection with the second ATC using the one or more telecommunications modems in response to the UAS entering the ATC transition zone and closing the first data connection and the first voice connection with the first ATC after confirming the existence of the second data connection and the second voice connection with the second ATC.

[0035] Implementations of a method of enabling tracking of the position of a UAS using a first ATC and at least a second ATC may include one, all, or any of the following:

[0036] Defining an ATC transition zone may further include defining a size of the ATC transition zone using the speed of the UAS and the average time required to make a data connection and a voice connection with an ATC.

[0037] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an implementation of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system;

[0040] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an implementation of an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS);

[0041] FIG. 3 is a top block view of an implementation of a communications input/output (I/O) circuit;

[0042] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an implementation of a satellite modem;

[0043] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an implementation of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system;

[0044] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an implementation of a UAS position reporting system indicating the extent of a radio frequency line of sight (RFLOS) region;

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an implementation of a UAS position reporting system indicating the extent of an RFLOS region and a beacon line of sight region;

[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an implementation of a UAS position reporting system indicating the extent of an RFLOS region and a beacon line of sight region as well as the position of a terrain shadowed region within the RFLOS region;

[0047] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a first ATC sector including a first ATC and a second ATC sector including a second ATC showing an ATC transition zone;

[0048] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an implementation of a first method of communicating the location of a UAS;

[0049] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an implementation of a second method of communicating the location of a UAS;

[0050] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an implementation of a method of enabling tracking of the position of a UAS using a first ATC and at least a second ATC.

DESCRIPTION

[0051] This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended unmanned aerial system (UAS) position reporting system and/or assembly procedures for a UAS position reporting system will become apparent for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such UAS position reporting systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1 , a flow chart of an implementation of a UAS position reporting system 2 is illustrated. As illustrated, a UAS 4 may be airborne in a particular airspace 6 and being guided in flight by an operator through a ground control station (GCS) 8, which is coupled to UAS position data collector 10. In particular implementations, the UAS position data collector 10 may be a separate unit from the GCS 8; in other implementations, the UAS position data collector 10 may be incorporated into or exist in computer readable form on computer readable media and be operated by the GCS as a software program. The UAS position data collector 10 gathers position data that the GCS 8 is receiving from the UAS 4 or generating while the UAS 4 moves within the airspace 6. The UAS position data collector 10 then acts as a source of the position data for the rest of the UAS position reporting system 2.

[0053] As illustrated, the UAS position data collector 10 is included in an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) 12. In particular implementations of UAS position reporting systems 2, the UAS position data collector 10 may be physically included in the ATC-RS 12; in other implementations, the UAS position data collector 10 may be physically separated from the ATC-RS 12.

[0054] As illustrated, the ATC-RS 12 also includes a communications input/output (I/O) circuit 14 coupled with an air traffic control (ATC) formatting module 16, a command and control (C2) formatting module 18, a voice link module 20, one or more telecommunication modems 22, an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and a traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver 24, and a microphone 32. The communications I/O circuit 14 may serve in particular implementations to route signals and or power between all of the various modules and components; in other implementations, it may route signals between only some of the modules and an additional communications router module may be utilized for routing.

[0055] The communications I/O circuit 14 receives position data from the UAS position data collector 10 and routes it to the ATC formatting module 16 and the C2 formatting module 18. Whether the ATC formatting module 16 or the C2 formatting module 18, or both, are utilized during operation of the UAS position reporting system 2 depends upon whether the system will interface with a civilian air traffic control or military air traffic control system or both. If the system will operate in a civilian system, the ATC formatting module 16 formats the position data into a civilian data stream in a civilian data format. Examples of civilian data formats include ADS-B, TIS-B, Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS), and All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX). If the UAS position reporting system 2 is being utilized in a military environment, the C2 formatting module 18 will format the position data into a military data stream in a military data format. Examples of military data formats include, by non- limiting example, Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586, Cursor on Target (CoT), and any other military air traffic control data format. Various forms of operating mode selection may be included in implementations of UAS position reporting systems 2 to permit operation in civilian, military, or in both civilian and military mode. In all data formats and in all system implementations disclosed in this document, any of a wide variety of radio transceiver types may be utilized. For example, in military applications, specialized radio transceiver types other than ADS-B and TIS-B transceivers may be utilized; in civilian applications, certain format types may also require the use of a different radio type than an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver. The use of an ADS-B and TIS-B transceivers in implementations in this document is for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure.

[0056] The formatted data streams then pass to the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver 24 for broadcasting as either an ADS-B signal or a TIS-B signal. In particular implementations, the TIS-B signal may be created by flipping a single bit in an ADS-B signal to indicate that the signal is coming from the ground. Relevant teachings regarding the nature and use of ADS-B and TIS-B transceivers and radios may be found in the provisional patent application to Limbaugh, et al., entitled "Unmanned Aerial System Position Reporting Systems and Related Methods," filed February 15, 2008, the disclosure of which was previously incorporated herein by reference.

[0057] Because the ADS-B radio system has been designated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a component of the next generation air traffic control system, present and future aircraft will contain an ADS-B device capable of receiving signals from the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver 24. Because of this, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, the UAS position reporting system 2 has the ability to directly inform such aircraft 26 of the position of the UAS 4. In particular implementations, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver 24 has the ability to transmit ADS-B/TIS-B signals to an air traffic control center (ATC) or C2 control center 28, thus permitting air traffic control personnel at the center to be able to view the position of the UAS 4. Because the position of the UAS 4 is now known by neighboring aircraft 26 and may also be visible to personnel at the ATC or C2 control center 28, the risk of collision with the UAS 4 may be reduced. In addition, because the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver 24 has the ability to receive ADS-B and TIS-B signals, an operator of the UAS 4 may also be able to view the position of neighboring aircraft 26 in relation to the position of the UAS 4 itself on one or more displays 30 coupled to the ATC-RS 12.

[0058] While the position of the UAS 4 may be made visible to personnel at the ATC 28 itself through the ATC-RS 12, because the personnel at the ATC 28 cannot maintain direct voice contact with the operator of the UAS 4, flight regulations may still not permit the UAS 4 to be flown in the vicinity of neighboring aircraft 26. In particular implementations of UAS position reporting systems 2, a voice link module 20 may be included that receives voice information from a microphone 32 coupled with the communications I/O circuit 14. The voice link module 20 formats the voice information into a voice data signal that is then broadcast using one or more telecommunication modems 22, which may be satellite modems in particular implementations. Because the one or more telecommunication modems 22 can be connected to the ATC 28 through a communication network 34, personnel at the ATC 28 can maintain voice contact with the operator of the UAS 4 while it is in flight and issue commands and request status updates. Examples of communications networks 34 that could be utilized for voice communication include the public switched telephone network (PSTN), the internet, a wide area network (WAN), a satellite communication network, or any other network capable of transmitting voice and data information. In particular implementations, additional or duplicate position data for the UAS 4 may be transmitted using the one or more telecommunication modems 22 to the ATC 28 in any desired data format, thereby providing both voice and data transmission capability as well as permitting the ACT 28 to utilize the position data for a wide variety of purposes, including displaying the position of the UAS 4.

[0059] Any of a wide variety of particular component types may be used to form particular implementations of UAS position reporting systems 2. For the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, the ATC formatting module 16 and C2 formatting module 18 may be implemented as computer readable instructions on computer readable media operable by a processor or an embedded controller. The voice link module 20 may be a transducer and the one or more telecommunication modems 22 may be an Iridium® 9522A satellite modem. The ADS-B/TIS-B transceiver may be a Universal Access Transceiver Beacon Radio (UBR) designed by MITRE Corporation of McLean, Virginia, USA.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, a particular implementation of an ATC-RS 36 is illustrated. As illustrated, the ATC-RS 36 may include a case 38 that houses and protects the various modules and components. The case 38 may be constructed to comply with a wide variety of military or other reliability standard specifications, such as, by non- limiting example, shock, vibration, impact, humidity, temperature, water resistance, or any other reliability or performance characteristic. The case 38 may include an opening for the one or more satellite modem antennas 40 and an interface opening 42 capable of being closed with lid 44 that contains various controls and interface types. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a universal serial bus (USB) port 46 may be included that is used to connect with a GCS unit. In particular implementations, the design of the communication I/O circuit allows connection of the ATC-RS 36 to the GCS using only one USB cable at the USB port 46. A main power switch 48, various indicator lights 50, and a microphone/headset interface 52 may also be included. As illustrated, one or more ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver antennas 54 may extend from the case 38. A wide variety of other components, such as external power supplies, internal power supplies, batteries, displays, or other components may be included within or external to the case as part of the ATC-RS 36.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, an implementation of a communication I/O circuit 56 is illustrated. As illustrated, the circuit 56 may include a Recommended Standard (RS) 232 and RS-422 to Universal Serial Bus (USB) converter, accessible via RS-232/RS-422 connector 58 on the board. In particular implementations, an RS-485 serial connector interface or RS- 432 interface may also be included or may be used in place of either the RS-232 or RS-422 portions. A USB port 60 and/or hub may be included as part of the circuit 56. A flash drive 62 may also be included as part of the circuit 56 and may be adapted in particular implementations to store flight position and/or other performance or operating data from the UAS during flight to act as a UAS "black box," particularly during UAS test flight situations. A flash memory controller 64 may be included as part of the circuit 56 along with power input 66, which is adapted to receive power from an external power supply. A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and antenna may be included as part of the circuit 56 and may be connected via a Bayonet Neill Concelman (BNC) connector or a Subminiature Version A (SMA) connector 68. As illustrated in FIG. 3, various other components 70 necessary to allow the circuit to route signals and power through the circuit and one or more internal batteries 72 for any processor clocks may also be included in particular imp lementations .

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, an implementation of a satellite modem 74 is illustrated. The particular implementation illustrated in FIG. 4 is a partly disassembled Iridium® 9255 A satellite modem. Because the Iridium® satellite network does not support voice and data communication on a single channel, implementations of UAS position reporting systems that utilize Iridium® branded modems require two satellite modems, one for voice, and one for data. However, any of a wide variety of other satellite modems, telecommunication modems, cellular networks, wireless devices, the internet, or other network devices could also be utilized for voice and/or data transmission in particular implementations.

[0063] The foregoing description has described implementations of ATC-RS units 12, 36 that are adapted to communicate with a UAS and with an ATC or C2 control center. The principles disclosed in this document, however, may be applied to any remotely, semi- autonomously, or autonomously guided land, surface water, submersible, or space vehicle where direct position communication with neighboring manned vehicles and/or an overseeing control center is desired.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5, an implementation of a UAS position reporting system 76 is illustrated. As illustrated, the system 76 may include a UAS 78 in radio frequency communication via a radio frequency signal 79 with a ground control station (GCS) 80. The GCS 80 may be used by an operator to control the position and function of the UAS 78 during flight. The GCS 80 is coupled with an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) 82 via any of a wide variety of structures and methods. The ATC-RS 82 is adapted to receive position data from the GCS 80 containing position information about the location of the UAS 78 while airborne (altitude, attitude, geographical coordinates, vector, etc.). The ATC-RS 82 may be adapted in various implementations to process this information and to transmit the position data as position information in various data formats and via various signals. Relevant teachings regarding the structure, use, and operation of implementations of ATC-RS devices are previously described in this document.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the ATC-RS 82 includes one or more antennas 84 that allow the ATC-RS 82 to transmit one or more telecommunication signals 86 and one or more automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) signals 88. The ATC-RS 82 includes one or more telecommunication modems within it adapted to receive and transmit the one or more telecommunications signals 86. The one or more telecommunication modems that may be utilized include, by non-limiting example, a satellite modem, a cellular telephone, a telephone, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) radio device, an Ethernet device, or any other telecommunication device. The ATC- RS 82 also includes an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver in particular implementations. In particular implementations of UAS position reporting systems 76, the ATC-RS 82 may include any other radio type compatible with a particular position reporting system format or system, whether civilian or military. In these implementations, the ADS-B and TIS-B signals 88 may not actually be formatted in ADS-B and TIS-B format but formatted according to system requirements. Accordingly, all references to ADS-B and TIS-B signals in this document are for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure and are a non- limiting example of a particular implementation of the principles disclosed herein.

[0066] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the one or more telecommunications signals 86 may be satellite communication signals and may include a data signal and a voice signal, the data signal carrying position information and the voice signal carrying voice information from the operator of the GCS 80. The one or more telecommunications signals 86 may be received by one or more satellites 90 and transmitted to an air traffic control center (ATC) or command and control (C2) communications center 92. The one or more telecommunications signals 86 may enable the operator of the UAS 78 to be in continuous or substantially continuous voice communication with controllers at the ATC 92 and for the controllers at the ATC 92 to be able to view the position of the UAS 78 at all times. The one or more ADS-B and TIS-B signals 88 may allow the communication of the position of the UAS 78 to all aircraft 94 within the range of the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver or beacon that likewise have an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver on board. In this fashion, aircraft that can receive the one or more ADS-B and TIS-B signals may be able to also know where the UAS 78 is and avoid a collision.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 6 an implementation of a UAS position reporting system 96 is illustrated. As illustrated, the system 96 may include a UAS 98 being controlled by a GCS 100 coupled with an ATC-RS 102 on the ground 104. Like the implementation of a UAS position reporting system 76 previously discussed, the ATC-RS 102 is broadcasting the position of the UAS 98 via one or more telecommunications signals 102 and via an ADS-B and TIS-B signal 108 to aircraft 110 in the vicinity. As illustrated, the one or more telecommunications signals 106 may be satellite signals and be relayed via satellite 112 to ATC or C2 communication center 114, allowing controllers at the ATC 114 to see the position of the UAS 98. In particular implementations, the one or more telecommunications signals 106 may include a voice signal and allow the controllers at the ATC 114 to be in voice communication with the operator of the UAS 98 while being able to view its position.

[0068] As illustrated, one or more terrain based obstacles 116 may be present in on the ground in the area around the ATC-RS 102. These one or more terrain based obstructions 116 may be, by non-limiting example, mountains, hills, buildings, vehicles, trees, or any other fixed or semifixed object capable of blocking radio frequency transmissions. Because of the existence of the one or more terrain based obstructions 116, the radio frequency transmissions emanating from the GCS 100 to the UAS 98 and the ADS-B and TIS-B signal 108 will not be received in areas out of sight of the respective antennas of the GCS 100 and the ATC-RS 102. In other words, only those regions within radio signal line of sight of the GCS 100 and the ATC-RS 102 will be able to receive the radio signals. In some implementations, radio line of sight may substantially correspond to visual line of sight and the radio signals may be received only when the GCS 100 and ATC-RS 102 are actually visible; in other implementations, the radio signal line of sight may exceed or be smaller than the visual line of sight. Based on various characteristics of the radio signal and of the antennas and radio used in the GCS 100 and/or in the ATC-RS 102, a two-dimensional and/or three dimensional radio frequency line of sight (RFLOS) region 118 can be defined. Examples of characteristics that may be considered include, by non-limiting example, waveform characteristics (frequency, amplitude, intensity, etc.), power output, antenna data, antenna orientation, interference, noise, and any other parameter or system characteristics affecting the transmission of a radio signal.

[0069] As illustrated, using these characteristics, the ATC-RS 102 can calculate the extent of the RFLOS region 118 using a wide variety of algorithms and techniques. Some of these algorithms and techniques will permit the calculating of the RFLOS region 118 to include terrain shadowed regions, which indicate where the terrain based obstructions 116 prevent transmission of the radio signals. In addition, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, these algorithms and techniques may also permit the calculation of an upper bound 120 to the RFLOS region 118, indicating the point where the UAS 98 may fly so high that the radio signals can no longer be received from the GCS 100, or the altitude where aircraft 110 can no longer receive the one or more ADS-B and TIS-B signals 108 from the ATC-RS 102. In particular implementations, the RFLOS region 118 may be referred to as a safe airspace volume (SAV). Any of a wide variety of line of sight algorithms may be employed in calculation of the RFLOS region 118, including, by non-limiting example, U.S. Patent No. 5,257,405 to Reitberger entitled "Method and System for Setting Up LOS-Radio Communication Between Mobile or Stationary Remote Stations," issued October 26, 1993; and U.S. Patent No. 7,099,640 to Diao et al, entitled "Method Distinguishing Line of Sight (LOS) from Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) in CDMA Mobile Communication System," issued August 29, 2006, the relevant portions of the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein entirely by reference. Additional disclosure regarding the types of and use of radio frequency line of sight and radio range algorithms and calculations may be found in Reference Data for Radio Engineers, Howard Sams, International Telephone and Telegraph Corp., New York, 6^th Ed. (1981); Mobile Communications Engineering, William Lee, McGraw-Hill, New York (1982); and The ARRL Handbook, American Radio Relay League, 69^th Ed., the relevant disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, a top, two-dimensional view of an implementation of a UAS position reporting system 120 is illustrated. As illustrated, the UAS position reporting system 120 includes an ATC-RS 122 coupled with a GCS (not shown) in communication with a UAS 124. In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 7, the ATC-RS 122 has calculated an RFLOS region 126 based on the characteristics of the radio frequency signal between the UAS 124 and the GCS. The ATC-RS 122 has also calculated a beacon line of sight region 128 based on the characteristics of an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver (or beacon) included in the ATC-RS 122 which is broadcasting UAS position information to various aircraft 130, 132 in the area. The ATC-RS 122 is also in communication with ATC/C2 communication center 134 via one or more telecommunication signals 136.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in implementations of UAS position reporting systems 120, the beacon line of sight region 128 may be larger than the RFLOS region 126. Because of this, aircraft 130 may be able to receive position information regarding the location of the UAS 124 without actually being within the airspace in which the UAS 124 is flying. In other implementations, the RFLOS region 126 and the beacon line of sight region 128 may be coterminous and the aircraft 130 may, upon receiving position information about the UAS 124, be simultaneously flying in the airspace in which the UAS 124 may be located. In either case, because of the one or more telecommunication signals 136, aircraft 132, outside the beacon line of sight region 128, and aircraft 130, within the beacon line of sight region 128, can be alerted to the location of the UAS 124 by a controller at the ATC/C2 communication center 134. In particular implementations of UAS position reporting systems 120, the ATC/C2 communication center 134 may also be within the beacon line of sight region 128 and, therefore, in communication with the ATC-RS 122 through the ADS-B and TIS-B signals being transmitted by the ATC-RS 122.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, a top, two dimensional view of an implementation of a UAS position reporting system 138 is illustrated. Like the implementation illustrated in FIG. 7, the system 138 includes an ATC-RS 140 in communication with an ATC/C2 communication center 142, an RFLOS region 144, a beacon line of sight region 146, and a UAS 148 in communication with a GCS coupled with the ATC-RS 140. Within the RFLOS region 144, the ATC-RS 140 has determined a terrain shadowed region 150 in which the UAS 148 will be unable to receive radio signals from the GCS. Any of a wide variety of algorithms and methods may be used to calculate the dimensions of terrain shadowed regions 150 that may be used in particular implementations like those disclosed in this document. In particular implementations, the terrain shadowed region 150 may be multilayered, with an outer region and an inner region closer to the obstacle itself. For the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, the dimensions or contour of terrain shadowed region 150 may be determined by the ATC-RS 140 by using the ATC-RS 140 to locate a contour of one or more terrain based obstructions and specifying that the one or more terrain shadowed regions 150 exist within a predetermined distance from the contour. The ATC-RS 140 may receive the contour information from any of a wide variety of sources and systems, including, by non- limiting example, satellite data, contour maps, active radar ranging, radio signal interference patterns, or any other method of determining the location and dimensions of an object. The size of the predetermined distance may be determined by using any of a wide variety of factors, including, by non-limiting example, the size of the UAS 148, the speed of the UAS 148, various performance characteristics of the UAS 148 (turning radius, power, etc.), or any other factor relevant to ensuring the safety of the UAS 148 or other persons or objects.

[0073] Once one or more terrain shadowed regions 150 have been identified, implementations of the UAS position reporting system 138 may employ various methods of auto rerouting the UAS 148 to avoid the regions 150, thereby preventing collision of the UAS 148 with the obstacles located within the regions 150. The various methods may include a wide variety of conventional algorithms and techniques for auto rerouting or automatically directing a UAS. An example of such a conventional algorithm may be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,228,232 to Bodin et al, entitled "Navigating a UAV with Obstacle Avoidance Algorithms," issued June 5, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

[0074] Implementations of UAS position reporting systems 76, 96, 120, and 138 disclosed in this document may utilize implementations of a method of enabling tracking of the position of an UAS using a first air traffic control center (ATC) and at least a second ATC. Referring to FIG. 9, an implementation of a UAS position reporting system 152 is illustrated. As illustrated, the UAS position reporting system 152 includes an ATC-RS 154 and a UAS 156 in communication with a GCS (not shown) coupled to the ATC-RS 154. As illustrated, the ATC-RS 154 has defined several terrain shadowed regions 158, 160, 162 within a larger RFLOS region. Within the RFLOS region, two air traffic control (ATC) sectors, a first ATC sector 164 and a second ATC sector 166 are defined, with geographic boundaries. Also, an ATC transition zone 168 is included, defined between the first ATC sector 164 and the second ATC sector 166, as part of both the first ATC sector 164 and the second ATC sector 166, or within either the first ATC sector 164 or the second ATC sector 166. Within the first ATC sector 164 is a first ATC/C2 communication center 170 and within the second ATC sector 166 is a second ATC/C2 communication center 172. As illustrated, ATC-RS 154 is located within the first ATC sector 164 and is in communication via one or more telecommunication signals that include a first data connection and first voice connection (capable of transmitting position information and voice signals, respectively) with the first ATC/C2 communication center 170, providing position information of the UAS 156.

[0075] As the UAS 156 continues to move toward the second ATC sector 166, it will enter the ATC transition zone 168. When this occurs, the ATC-RS 154 will contact the second ATC/C2 communication center 172 using one or more telecommunication signals while remaining in communication with the first ATC/C2 communication center 172. Once communication has been established or the existence of communication with the second ATC/C2 communication center 172 setting up a second data connection and a second voice connection has been established, the ATC-RS 154 ends communication with the first ATC/C2 communication center 170. In this way, controllers in an ATC/C2 communication center are always receiving position information and maintaining voice contact with the operator of the UAS 156 at all times until a hand off between the two ATC/C2 communication centers 170, 172 has been accomplished. [0076] Any of a wide variety of factors can be used to calculate the size of the ATC transition zone 168, including, by non-limiting example, the speed of the UAS, the average time required to make a data connection and a voice connection with an ATC or ATC/C2 communication center, the altitude of the UAS, interference effects, or any other parameter affecting safety or the ability of the ATC-RS 154 to make a data connection and voice connection with an ATC.

[0077] Implementations of UAS position reporting systems 76, 96, 120, 138, and 152 disclosed in this document may utilize any of a wide variety of implementations of a first method of communicating the location of a UAS. Referring to FIG. 10, a flowchart of an implementation of a first method of communicating the location of a UAS 174 is illustrated. As illustrated, the method 174 may include receiving position data for a UAS with an ATC- RS from a GCS where the ATC-RS and GCS are located on the ground (step 176). The method 174 may also include transmitting the position data using one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS to an ATC (step 178) and transmitting the position data using an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver to one or more aircraft (step 180). Any of the other radio signal types or other radios discussed in this document may also be utilized in implementations of the method 174.

[0078] Implementations of UAS position reporting systems 76, 96, 120, 138, and 152 disclosed in this document may utilize any of a wide variety of implementations of a second method of communicating the location of a UAS. Referring to FIG. 11, an implementation of the second method 182 is illustrated. As illustrated, implementations of the method 182 may include defining an RFLOS region surrounding an ATC-RS (step 184), defining a beacon line of sight region surrounding the ATC-RS (step 186), transmitting position information of the UAS located within the RFLOS region to an ATC (step 188), and transmitting position information of the UAS using an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver to one or more aircraft located within the beacon line of sight region (step 190). Any of the other radio signal types or other radios discussed in this document may also be utilized in implementations of the method 182.

[0079] Implementations of UAS position reporting systems 76, 96, 120, 138, and 152 disclosed in this document may utilize any of a wide variety of implementations of a method of enabling tracking of the position of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) using a first air traffic control center (ATC) and at least a second ATC. Referring to FIG. 12, an implementation of such a method 192 is illustrated. As illustrated, the method 192 may include establishing a first data connection and a first voice connection with a first ATC using an ATC-RS located on the ground (step 194) and transmitting position information and a voice signal to the first ATC using the first data connection and the first voice connection (step 196). The method may also include defining at least a first ATC sector and a second ATC sector (step 198), defining an ATC transition zone (step 200), and establishing a second data connection and a second voice connection with the second ATC in response to the UAS entering the ATC transition zone (step 202). The method may also include closing the first data connection and the first voice connection with the first ATC after confirming the existence of the second data connection and the second voice connection (step 204). Confirming the existence of the second data connection and the second voice connection may include any of a wide variety of confirmation techniques, including, by non-limiting example, an oral exchange, a data exchange, an oral and data exchange, a signal strength test, or any other method or process of verifying the existence and/or reliability of a communication channel.

[0080] In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of UAS position reporting systems and related method implementations, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other UAS position reporting systems and other related method implementations.

Claims

1. An unmanned aerial system position reporting system comprising: an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) of an unmanned aerial system (UAS), the ATC-RS comprising an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and a traffic information services broadcast (TIS- B) transceiver and one or more telecommunication modems, the ATC-RS adapted to: receive position data of the UAS in an airspace from the GCS; communicate the position of the UAS in the airspace to a civilian air traffic control center (ATC) or to a military command and control (C2) communication center through an ADS-B signal or through a TIS-B signal through the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver; communicate with a civilian ATC or with a military C2 communication center through voice and data using the one or more telecommunication modems; and display the position of the UAS in the airspace on one or more display screens coupled with the ATC-RS.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ATC-RS is further adapted to communicate the position of the UAS in a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586 signal; a Cursor on Target (CoT) formatted signal; an ADS-B signal or TIS-B signal; a Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS) signal, or an All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX) signal.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the ATC-RS further comprises: a UAS position data collector comprised in the GCS of the UAS and adapted to receive position data for the UAS in the airspace from the GCS; a communications input/output (I/O) circuit adapted to receive position data of the UAS in the airspace through a universal serial bus (USB) port connection with the GCS and to route data and voice information within the ATC-RS, the communications I/O circuit coupled with the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver and the one or more telecommunication modems; an air traffic control (ATC) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the ATC communication formatting module adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a civilian position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a civilian ATC data format; a command and control (C2) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the C2 communication formatting module adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a military position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a military C2 communication center data format; and a voice link module coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive voice information from a microphone and to convert the voice information to a voice data signal.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the communications input/output (I/O) circuit further comprises a USB hub, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) and RS-422 to USB interface, one or more power converters, an embedded flash drive, and an external power supply.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more telecommunication modems are one or more satellite modems.

6. An unmanned aerial system position reporting system comprising: a unmanned aerial system (UAS) ground control station (GCS) adapted to receive or generate data identifying the position of a UAS in an airspace and to allow an operator of the UAS to operate the UAS; an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with the GCS, the ATC-RS adapted to communicate the position of the UAS in the airspace to an air traffic control center (ATC) or to a military command and control (C2) communication center, the ATC-RS comprising: an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver adapted to transmit the position of the UAS in the airspace to the ATC as an ADS-B signal or a TIS-B signal; one or more telecommunication modems adapted to allow an operator of the UAS to communicate by voice with the ATC; and one or more display screens coupled with the ATC-RS, the one or more display screens adapted to display the position of the UAS in the airspace.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the ATC-RS further comprises: a UAS position data collector comprised in the GCS of the UAS and adapted to receive position data for the UAS in the airspace from the GCS; a communications input/output (I/O) circuit adapted to receive position data of the UAS in the airspace through a universal serial bus (USB) port connection with the GCS and to route data and voice information within the ATC-RS, the communications I/O circuit coupled with the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver and the one or more telecommunication modems; an air traffic control (ATC) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the ATC communication formatting module adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a civilian position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a civilian ATC data format; a command and control (C2) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the C2 communication formatting module adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a military position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a military C2 communication center data format; and a voice link module coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive voice information from a microphone and to convert the voice information to a voice data signal.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the communications I/O circuit further comprises a USB hub, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) and RS-422 to USB interface, one or more power converters, an embedded flash drive, and an external power supply.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the ATC-RS is further adapted to communicate the position of the UAS in a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586 formatted signal; a Cursor on Target (CoT) formatted signal; an ADS-B signal or TIS-B signal; a Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS) formatted signal, or an All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX) formatted signal.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the one or more telecommunication modems are one or more satellite modems.

11. An air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) comprising: an unmanned aerial system (UAS) position data collector, the UAS position data collector adapted to receive position data for the UAS in an airspace from a GCS; a communications input/output (I/O) circuit adapted to receive position data of the UAS in the airspace through a universal serial bus (USB) port connection with the GCS and to route data and voice information within the ATC-RS; an air traffic control (ATC) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the ATC communication formatting module adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a civilian position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a civilian ATC data format; a command and control (C2) communication formatting module coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the C2 communication formatting module adapted to receive the position data from the UAS position data collector and to produce a military position data stream by formatting the position data to correspond with a military C2 communication center data format; a voice link module coupled with the communications I/O circuit and adapted to receive voice information from a microphone and to convert the voice information to a voice data signal; one or more satellite modems coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the one or more satellite modems adapted to transmit the voice data signal through a voice communication network and to transmit one or more data signals to a civilian ATC or to a military C2 communication center; and an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver coupled with the communications I/O circuit, the ADS-B transceiver adapted to receive the civilian position data stream and the military position data stream and to transmit an ADS-B signal or a TIS-B signal corresponding with the civilian position data stream or the military position data stream.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the military C2 communication center data format is in a Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4586, Cursor on Target (CoT), Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS) or an All Purpose Structured Eurocontrol Surveillance Information Exchange (ASTERIX) format.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the communications I/O circuit further comprises a USB hub, a Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a Recommended Standard-232 (RS-232) and RS-422 to USB interface, one or more power converters, an embedded flash drive, and an external power supply.

14. A method of communicating the location of an unmanned aerial system (UAS), the method comprising: receiving position data for a UAS with an air traffic control reporting system (ATC- RS) from a ground control station (GCS) in communication with the UAS, where the ATC- RS and the GCS are coupled together and located on the ground; transmitting the position data using one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS to an air traffic control center (ATC) ; and transmitting the position data using an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver to one or more aircraft.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving a voice signal from an operator of the UAS using the ATC-RS and transmitting the voice signal using the one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS to the ATC.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising defining a beacon line of sight region using characteristics of the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising defining a radio frequency line of sight (RFLOS) region using the ATC-RS from characteristics of a radio frequency connection between the GCS and the UAS where the RFLOS region surrounds the ATC-RS.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising defining one or more terrain shadowed regions within the RFLOS region by using the ATC-RS to locate a contour of one or more terrain based obstructions and to specify that the one or more terrain shadowed regions exist within a predetermined distance from the contour.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising automatically rerouting the UAS as it enters the one or more terrain shadowed regions.

20. A method of communicating the location of an unmanned aerial system (UAS), the method comprising: defining a radio frequency line of sight (RFLOS) region surrounding an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) using the ATC-RS; defining a beacon line of sight region surrounding the ATC-RS using the ATC-RS, the ATC-RS including an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) and traffic information services broadcast (TIS-B) transceiver; transmitting position information of the UAS located within the RFLOS region to an air traffic control center (ATC) using one or more telecommunication modems included in the ATC-RS, the position information generated using position data received from a ground control station (GCS) coupled to the ATC-RS and in communication with the UAS; transmitting position information of the UAS using the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver of the ATC-RS to one or more aircraft located within the beacon line of sight region, the one or more aircraft including an ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein defining the RFLOS region further comprises using one or more characteristics of a radio frequency connection between the GCS and the UAS in defining the RFLOS region and wherein defining the beacon line of sight region further comprises using one or more characteristics of the ADS-B and TIS-B transceiver in defining the beacon line of sight region.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein defining the RFLOS region and defining the beacon line of sight region further include defining a beacon line of sight region larger than the RFLOS region.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising transmitting a voice signal from an operator of the UAS received by the ATC-RS using the one or more telecommunication modems.

24. The method of claim 20, further comprising defining one or more terrain shadowed regions within the RFLOS region by locating a contour of one or more terrain based obstructions and specifying that the one or more terrain shadowed regions exist within a predetermined distance from the contour.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising automatically rerouting the UAS as it enters the one or more terrain shadowed regions.

26. A method of enabling tracking of the position of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) using a first air traffic control center (ATC) and at least a second ATC, the method comprising: establishing a first data connection and a first voice connection with the first ATC using one or more telecommunications modems included in an air traffic control reporting system (ATC-RS) coupled with a ground control station (GCS) in communication with the UAS, the ATC-RS and the GCS located on the ground; transmitting position information and a voice signal to the first ATC using the first data connection and the first voice connection, the position information generated using the ATC-RS from position data received by the ATC-RS from the GCS; defining at least a first ATC sector and a second ATC sector, the first ATC located in the first ATC sector and the second ATC located in the second ATC sector; defining an ATC transition zone in one of the first ATC sector, the second ATC sector, or in both the first ATC sector and the second ATC sector; establishing a second data connection and a second voice connection with the second ATC using the one or more telecommunications modems in response to the UAS entering the ATC transition zone; and closing the first data connection and the first voice connection with the first ATC after confirming the existence of the second data connection and the second voice connection with the second ATC.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein defining an ATC transition zone further includes defining a size of the ATC transition zone using the speed of the UAS and the average time required to make a data connection and a voice connection with an ATC.