Generalized LUI Propagation Model for UAVs Communications Using Terrestrial Cellular Networks

This work proposes an empirical propagation model to obtain the path loss, and therefore determine the average received power, of a signal for a specific outdoor urban scenario with UAVs. The proposed 3D propagation model for terrestrial cellular networks generalizes the LUI model and is valid in the frequency ranges from GSM, UMTS and LTE technologies. We report experimental work in 3D space, considering the height, the antennas base station tilt, sectorization, angle and distances profile. The experimental work included in this study appropriately agrees with the proposed theoretical model; hence, the proposed model is adequate for cellular planning tools.