Simulated Effects of Non-Ideal Physical and Cybersecurity Conditions on UAV Swarming
Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Jaclyn Welch, Junior Ricardo Pena, Senior Troy Neubauer, Sophmore
Lead Presenter's Name
Jaclyn Welch
Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. M. Ilhan Akbas
Abstract
The development of new drone capabilities in the last decade has led to a rapid increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for recreational, commercial and military purposes. This increase, due largely to the expanse of capabilities, has created an opportunity for cyber-vulnerabilities in a generally unexplored area of cyberspace. In the specific area of cyberwarfare, the pace of innovation poses a challenge to national defense as cybersecurity engineers adapt to new technologies and systems. Addressing these security challenges in UAS will provide stronger, more secure UAVs and expand the capabilities of the U.S. military in the scope of cyber warfare. This research utilizes two software programs to simulate traveling swarms of UAVs connected in a UAS and aims to provide an interactive software where users can create a model of a UAV swarm and subject it to possible stimuli. The simulated swarms can be subject to disconnections due to physical barriers, cyberattacks, or network failures (Pyzynski, 2020.)
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Simulated Effects of Non-Ideal Physical and Cybersecurity Conditions on UAV Swarming
The development of new drone capabilities in the last decade has led to a rapid increase in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for recreational, commercial and military purposes. This increase, due largely to the expanse of capabilities, has created an opportunity for cyber-vulnerabilities in a generally unexplored area of cyberspace. In the specific area of cyberwarfare, the pace of innovation poses a challenge to national defense as cybersecurity engineers adapt to new technologies and systems. Addressing these security challenges in UAS will provide stronger, more secure UAVs and expand the capabilities of the U.S. military in the scope of cyber warfare. This research utilizes two software programs to simulate traveling swarms of UAVs connected in a UAS and aims to provide an interactive software where users can create a model of a UAV swarm and subject it to possible stimuli. The simulated swarms can be subject to disconnections due to physical barriers, cyberattacks, or network failures (Pyzynski, 2020.)