A method is disclosed for assuming and maintaining secure remote control of and
aircraft in the event of an attack upon, or incapacity of the pilot of the aircraft.
The method includes the following steps:
- (a) providing a secure transmission link by and between first transmitting
and receiving means ("first T/R means") on an aircraft to be controlled and second
transmitting and receiving means ("second T/R means") at a location remote from
the aircraft, thereby permitting secure communication between the aircraft and
the remote location;
- (b) transmitting a command between the aircraft and the remote location
for interrupting pilot control of the aircraft and initiating remote control of
the aircraft;
- (c) transmitting flight data from the aircraft to the remote location
via the transmission link;
- (d) transmitting control data from the remote location to the aircraft
via the transmission link; and
- (e) maintaining remote control of the aircraft until the need for remote
control has ended or the aircraft has landed safely.
