Section: 5.8.1 Description
Content: In most countries, the operation of UAV is limited to the line-of-sight control i.e., the operation of UAV is allowed only when human UAV operators can directly see the UAV. Also, most countries prohibit operation of UAV at night. Recently, Korean government launched a special program which allows UAV operation even when a UAV operator is not in line-of-sight of a UAV or when the UAV operates at night. [2] But, to apply for this special program, there are certain conditions. For example: - UAV is equipped with lights for collision-avoidance purpose. These lights should be visible up to 5 KM away. - UAV is equipped with support for auto-pilot functionality, more than one way of communication channel (e.g. RF + LTE). - Observers who can monitor a UAV should be dispatched, if a UAV operator controls the UAV out of line-of-sight. These conditions will evolve or be relaxed in the future, as alternative approaches and technologies are available or enough tests have been performed to prove safety of NLOS UAV operation. For example: - Observers can be replaced to non-human system which can detect or monitor UAVs. - Light used for collision-avoidance can be replaced to other communication-based method. (e.g. broadcast of identifiers using direct 3GPP communication) - Back-up communication path can be provided even within 3GPP systems. (e.g. using direct/indirect 3GPP communication simultaneously) Figure 5.8.1-1: Identification of NLOS UAV