US Patent 11354202 Mixed-criticality network for common unmanned system architecture

Apparatus and methods for controlling unmanned systems (UMSs), such as unmanned aircraft, are provided. A UMS can be provided that includes a network, auxiliary systems, and a payload, where the network can connect the auxiliary systems and the payload. A network switch of the network can logically separate the network into at least a second tier of communications and a third tier of communications. The network can be used to control the UMS by at least: controlling the auxiliary systems using messages communicated by the second tier of communications, and communicating with the payload using messages communicated by the third tier of communications.