How do controlled line of sight systems operate?

Controlled line of sight systems operate primarily through remote control, which can be either manually controlled by a human operator or managed semi-autonomously by a computer system. This means that the operator can directly influence the movement and actions of the system in real-time, enabling precise control and responsive handling. In a combat or complex operational scenario, this allows for immediate adjustments to the system's behavior based on the operator's decisions or guidance.

Additionally, while some systems may utilize other technologies or data sources, the essence of controlled line of sight operations is the direct human or semi-automatic oversight, which distinguishes them from systems that are fully automated or reliant on specific navigation protocols like GPS. This modality ensures that decision-making can be agile and adaptive, reflecting the dynamic nature of military engagements.

Pre-programmed flight paths can be part of a drone's capabilities, but without real-time control, they do not fit the definition of a controlled line of sight operation. Similarly, relying exclusively on GPS or connecting to a central navigation network might pertain to other operational protocols, but they do not capture the critical aspect of human involvement integral to controlled line of sight operations.