3 Definitions, symbols and abbreviations

22.1253GPPTSUnmanned Aerial System (UAS) support in 3GPP

3.1 Definitions

For the purposes of the present document, the terms and definitions given in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1] and the following apply. A term defined in the present document takes precedence over the definition of the same term, if any, in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1].

Above ground level (AGL): In the context of a UAV it is the UAV altitude referenced to ground level in the vicinity.

Command and Control (C2) Communication: the user plane link to convey messages with information of command and control for UAV operation between a UAV controller and a UAV.

Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS): Composed of Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and related functionality, including command and control (C2) links between the UAV and the controller, the UAV and the network, and for remote identification. A UAS is comprised of a UAV and a UAV controller.

NOTE: A UAV can be controlled by different UAV controllers, but at any given time, a UAV is under the control of only one UAV controller. The mechanisms to ensure which UAV controller is active and controlling the UAV is out of scope of 3GPP.

Uncrewed Aerial System Traffic Management (UTM): a set of functions and services for managing a range of autonomous vehicle operations.

UAV controller: The UAV controller of a UAS enables a drone pilot to control an UAV.

UxNB: radio access node on-board UAV. It is a radio access node providing connectivity to UEs, which is carried in the air by an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

3.2 Symbols

For the purposes of the present document, the following symbols apply:

3.3 Abbreviations

For the purposes of the present document, the abbreviations given in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1] and the following apply. An abbreviation defined in the present document takes precedence over the definition of the same abbreviation, if any, in 3GPP TR 21.905 [1].

BVLOS Beyond Visual Line of Sight

C2 Command and Control

Remote ID Remote Identification [3]

UAS Uncrewed Aerial System

UAV Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle

UTM Uncrewed Aerial System Traffic Management [2]