A scheme of interrelationships of external and internal macro- and microenvironmental factors and their influence on the states of the unmanned aerial vehicle system has been developed. It is proposed to use an approach with elements of graph theory and set theory to analyze the states of an unmanned aircraft complex. The given graph of the functioning of the man-machine system of a sample of the unmanned aircraft complex of the “micro UAS unmanned aircraft system” class sets the transitions that determine the closed cycle of the execution of a combat mission. An example of building a structure of functional indicators of unmanned aerial vehicles with life cycle elements using graph theory for the analysis of “bottlenecks” in ensuring reliability is given. The analysis of “bottlenecks” in the control systems of unmanned aerial vehicles in the area of the ground control station – unmanned aerial vehicle is aimed at determining directions for increasing reliability, flight safety, increasing functionality, flight range and improving ergonomic characteristics. A comprehensive analysis of the functioning and dynamics of changes in reliability indicators with relevant data for previous periods of operation will allow us to draw specific conclusions about the actual level of reliability of the UAS un manned aircraft system fleet and identify bottlenecks for further improvement and the possibility of transitioning to the use of third-generation BpAK (autonomous devices) with self-learning systems with artificial intelligence. The theoretical rationale and the given practical recommendations should be taken into account when developing new prospective models of unmanned aerial vehicles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in accordance with their official purpose.

At the present stage of development of unmanned aircraft systems work continues at a rapid pace to further improve their capabilities in the direction of more effective combat and special tasks. This is especially noticeable in two key areas: increasing the range and flight duration; reducing the physical size of the unmanned aerial vehicles. The combination of increasing flight duration and decreasing design characteristics significantly affects the requirements for unmanned aircraft system communication equipment and the development of a beyond line of sight satellite communication channel, which is currently considered as the main channel for transmitting intelligence, telemetry information in real time. Under existent warfighting conditions, the development of communication lines on the principle of a beyond line of sight with the use of ground or airborne relay stations, or through the introduction of additional ground control stations is virtually unjustified, due to the high dynamics of operational conditions and time constraints for decision making. In this context, the unmanned aerial vehicles' satellite communication channels are subject to strict requirements to ensure the combat missions are carried out successfully and safely. The article examines current approaches to the implementation of satellite communication channels with unmanned aerial vehicles in the context of the requirements for both on–board equipment and directly to the development of a satellite communication channel. Recommendations are given for the basic requirements for the organization of satellite duplex communication beyond line–of–sight with unmanned aerial vehicles based on geostationary (medium-altitude) high throughput satellites in the Ka frequency range.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) allow effective solving the problems of reconnaissance, relaying information on targets to means of fire destruction and striking on any type of object. However, there are many problematic issues regarding the creation of a communication system for remote control of UAV of medium and long range, obtaining video information about reconnaissance objects in real time. The methods allow to estimate the value of the deviation of the carrier frequency of the transmitter of the radio communication channel of unmanned aerial system (UAS) in the normal mode of its operation from the value of the prototype stated by the Developer based on the instrumental measurement of the average or assigned frequency of modulated radio emission. The purpose of the article is to consider the methods, technical means and conditions of instrumental evaluation of the radio emission frequency of UAV‟s radio channels transmitters by means of radio frequency control. This technique defines a set of procedures and rules for instrumental evaluation (measurement) of radio frequency of UAVs prototypes radio transmitters by means of radio frequency control in order to verify compliance of its parameters with the requirements of technical conditions or specifications for experimental aircraft.

Considering the lack of standard test methods for communication channels of modern unmanned aerial systems (UAS) class I and II, according to the UAS classification of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, it was decided to work out the basic approaches for determining indicators, conditions and procedure for conducting tests in this direction. The suggested methodological recommendations will improve the quality of the parameters and characteristics assessment for communication channels of UAS I and II classes. One of the distinctive trends in the development of modern forms and methods of conducting armed combat at all stages of the armed conflict is the widespread use of the UASs by opposing parties. UASs are capable of significant increasing the effectiveness of accomplishing aerial reconnaissance tasks, organizing electronic warfare, and providing real-time delivery of target pinpointing to fire means for the destruction of enemy’s manpower and material. A distinctive feature of UAS is that its external crew, as a rule, accomplish its mission at a considerable distance from the objects of attack. This fact significantly reduces the security risks and threats associated with performing combat missions under conditions of active enemy counteraction. Due to this feature, considerable attention is paid to the development of a reliable communication system that would be able to ensure task accomplishment at the maximum distance from command and control site. During the tests of UAS Class I and II, the specialists of the State Scientific Research Institute of Armament and Military Equipment Testing and Certification used testing methods of radio channels assessment, which will allow to improve the quality of UAS research of this type and give the manufacturers recommendations for increasing their capabilities.