The Provision of Physical Protection of Information During the Transmission of Commands to a Group of UAVs Using Fiber Optic Communication Within the Group
Shaltykova D. Kadyrzhan A. Vitulyova Y. Suleimenov I.
January 2026Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Drones
2026#10Issue 1
Highlights: What are the main findings? The report introduces a geometric method for unambiguous localization of remote radio-signal sources using three UAVs connected by fiber-optic links, relying on the intersection of hyperbola asymptotes rather than full hyperbola curves. It proves that the physically correct emitter location is always the asymptote-intersection point farthest from the UAV formation center, while all spurious solutions remain confined near the formation radius. What are the implications of the main findings? The method enables secure, interference-resistant command transmission from the operator to the UAV group and supports the detection of external radio emitters (including operators and electronic-warfare systems) under line-of-sight conditions. The approach provides a scalable foundation for expanding UAV groups with nodes using directional antennas and lightweight protection mechanisms, supporting resilient architectures and advanced configurations such as jet-assisted UAV platforms. This paper presents a novel method for the precise localization of remote radio-signal sources using a formation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The approach is based on time-difference-of-arrival (TDoA) measurements and the geometric analysis of hyperbolas formed by pairs of UAVs. By studying the asymptotic intersections of these hyperbolas, the method ensures unique determination of the source position, even in the presence of multiple intersection points. Theoretical analysis confirms that the correct intersection point is located at a significantly larger distance from the UAV formation center compared to spurious intersections, providing a rigorous criterion for resolving localization ambiguity. The proposed framework also addresses secure inter-UAV communication via optical-fiber links and supports expansion of UAV groups with directional antennas and low-power signal relays. Additionally, the study discusses practical UAV configurations, including hybrid propulsion and jet-assisted kamikaze platforms, demonstrating the applicability of the method in contested environments. The results indicate that this approach provides a robust mathematical basis for unambiguous emitter localization and enables scalable, secure, and resilient multi-UAV systems, with potential applications in electronic-warfare scenarios, surveillance, and tactical operations.
data obfuscation , hyperbolic asymptotes , information protection , onboard computing systems , optical fiber , UAV
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National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
Institute of Communications and Space Engineering, Gumarbek Daukeev Almaty University of Power Engineering and Communications, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
National Scientific Laboratory for the Collective Use of Information and Space Technologies (NSLC IST), 22 Satbayev Street, Almaty, 050013, Kazakhstan
JSC “Institute of Digital Engineering and Technology”, Almaty, 050000, Kazakhstan
Department of Smart Technologies in Engineering, International Engineering and Technological University, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Institute of Communications and Space Engineering
National Scientific Laboratory for the Collective Use of Information and Space Technologies (NSLC IST)
JSC “Institute of Digital Engineering and Technology”
Department of Smart Technologies in Engineering
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Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026