UAV-Assisted Integrated Sensing and Communication: Models, Challenges, and Perspectives

This thesis investigates the integration of sensing and communication functionalities in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms within the framework of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) systems. UAV-enabled ISAC represents a promising paradigm for efficient spectrum utilization and unified signal processing, enabling simultaneous information exchange and environmental perception. The research focuses on the development of a unified channel model that captures the time-varying and spatially correlated nature of UAV-assisted communication and sensing links. Building upon this model, advanced estimation and tracking techniques are explored to improve both link reliability and sensing accuracy under dynamic flight conditions. Particular attention is given to joint beamforming and state-space modeling approaches that exploit the coupling between communication and radar channels. The proposed framework aims to provide theoretical insights and design guidelines for future UAV-based Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS) networks