Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers provide ubiquitous and precise position, navigation, and time (PNT) to a wide gamut of civilian and tactical infrastructures and devices. Due to the low GNSS received signal power, even low-power radiofrequency interference (RFI) sources are a serious threat to the GNSS integrity and availability. Nonetheless, RFI source localization is paramount yet hard, especially over large areas. Methods based on multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) exist but are often limited by hovering time, and require specific antenna and detectors. In comparison, fixed-wing planes allow longer missions but are more complex to operate and deploy. A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV combines the positive aspects of both platforms: high maneuverability, and long mission time and, jointly with highly integrated control systems, simple operation and deployment. Building upon the flexibility allowed by such a platform, we propose a method that combines advanced flight dynamics with high-performance consumer receivers to detect interference over large areas, with minimal interaction with the operator. The proposed system can detect multiple interference sources and map their area of influence, gaining situational awareness of poor GNSS quality or denied environments. Furthermore, it can estimate the relative heading and position of the interference source within tens of meters. The proposed method is validated with real-life measurements, successfully mapping two interference-affected areas and exposing radio equipment causing involuntary in-band interference.

翻译：全球导航卫星系统（GNSS）接收器为广泛的民用和战术基础设施及设备提供无处不在且精确的定位、导航与授时（PNT）。由于GNSS接收信号功率较低，即使是低功率射频干扰（RFI）源也对GNSS的完整性和可用性构成严重威胁。然而，RFI源定位至关重要且极具挑战性，尤其是在大范围区域。基于多旋翼无人机（UAV）的方法虽已存在，但常受限于悬停时间，且需要特定天线和检测器。相比之下，固定翼飞机可执行更长任务，但操作和部署更为复杂。垂直起降（VTOL）无人机结合了两种平台的优点：高机动性、长任务时间，以及结合高度集成控制系统后的简易操作与部署。基于此类平台提供的灵活性，我们提出一种方法，将先进飞行动力学与高性能消费级接收器相结合，以在最小操作员交互下检测大范围区域内的干扰。所提系统可检测多个干扰源并绘制其影响区域图，从而获得对GNSS质量差或信号拒止环境的情境感知。此外，它能在数十米精度内估计干扰源的相对航向和位置。该方法通过实测数据验证，成功绘制了两个受干扰区域，并暴露了引起无意识带内干扰的无线电设备。