Evaluation of an OPNET Model for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Networks

<p>Over the last few years there has been an explosion in the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in military operations as well as civilian and commercial applications. UAV Mobile Ad Hoc Networks are fast becoming essential to conducting Network-Centric Warfare. As of October 2006 coalition UAVs exclusive of hand-launched systems had flown almost 400000 flight hours in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. This document outlines our experience with implementing a statistically validated network model that emulates UAV network behavior during flight using a leading simulation tool. Ultimately there is a great need for a simulation environment that provides the capability to evaluate several aspects of networked UAVs in lieu of large test-beds or costly flight testing. These simulations are designed to understand the characteristics and essential performance parameters of the delivered model. A statistical analysis is performed to explain results obtained and identify potential performance irregularities.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>