Phantom Networks: The Intangible ShootandScoot Communication Paradigm for Future Militaries In this work, we put forth a philosophical treatise on a novel paradigm for intangible, ondemand, and powerfree aerial communication relaying, for which we coin the term phantom network. The proposed phantom network aims to temporarily bridge communication gaps between two or more outofrange communicating devices or infrastructures using aerial nanonodes suspended in atomized aqueous mists. This proposed ondemand shootandscoot communication enabler is of particular interest to scenarios where there is a need for rapid deployment of temporary communication or relaying infrastructures for enabling higher data volume communication networks, primarily associated with military operations. As the conceptualized aerial network is primarily aqueous, its coverage and lifetime are highly dependent on ensuing atmospheric conditions in the deployment area. The possible future use of this proposed paradigm includes establishing temporary infrastructurefree networks during disaster management and battlefield communications. We discuss the design and implementation challenges posed by the intended ondemand aerial nanonetworkbased communication relaying paradigm, its application horizon, and scope for future work.

Optimizing InterCluster Flights of PostDisaster Communication Support UAVs In the aftermath of largescale disasters, critical communication infrastructure is often destroyed. Ad hoc networks can restore wireless communication with basic functionalities, especially for civilians in the affected areas. However, as humans form groups and tend to stay around important locations like shelters in such situations, the network is highly intermittent. Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles can act as controllable and highly mobile data carriers between separated network clusters to enable delaytolerant intercluster communication. A possible heterogeneous set of usable aerial vehicles and the necessity to adapt the system to various environments requires the system to be highly flexible. Combined with severe constraints in energy usage or number of available vehicles, there is a need to increase the efficiency of intercluster flights. In this paper, we present approaches to optimize intercluster flights based on communication performance and energy efficiency. The resulting optimization model is a powerful tool for operators to adjust system settings to match required demands.