Modeling signal latency effects using ARENA/spl trade

Recent military operations have showcased the abilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly in their ability to effectively perform those tasks too dangerous for manned aircraft. We examine non-autonomous operations of an UAV in those instances where the vehicle is used for laser target designation in support of precision guided munitions with non-line-of-sight command and control of the UAV. Non-line of sight UAV control requires a satellite communications link which involves a level of signal delay, or signal latency. This latency may impact the accuracy of the laser designation and thus the accuracy of the guided weapon. A simulation model is defined, built, and used to address the signal latency impacts of our defined UAV targeting scenario.