Improving strike accuracy through visibility analysis for unmanned aerial vehicles

This study was conducted to increase the success rate of strikes carried out by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), minimize ammunition wastage, and reduce potential environmental damage. To achieve this objective, the line-of-sight (LOS) analysis method was employed to optimize the target detection and engagement process. The study was carried out in three main phases. In the first phase, a specific target point on the Earth's surface and the UAV's flight route were determined. Additionally, the UAV's distance to the target and the visibility range used in the analysis were defined as variables. These parameters were not fixed, considering that both the technical capabilities of the UAV and the ammunition, as well as environmental factors, might vary. In the second phase, a visibility analysis was performed to determine whether the target could be directly observed by the UAV without any obstacles in between. In the third and final phase of the study, the results of the visibility analysis were visualized, and the advantages and disadvantages of analyses conducted from different positions were evaluated. Based on this assessment, the most optimal strike position (latitude, longitude, and altitude) for the designated target was identified. Through this method, the target detection and engagement process often reliant on operator experience and real-time conditions was systematically and rapidly determined using Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) within a defined algorithmic framework. Consequently, it is assessed that this approach can help minimize potential environmental damage that may arise during the target engagement process.