What happens if the aircraft goes lost link above its initial lost link altitude?

When an aircraft goes lost link, it means that the communication between the ground control and the aircraft has been disrupted. In scenarios where the aircraft is operating above its initial lost link altitude and no connection can be reestablished, the system is designed to enter an emergency mission mode.

This mode prompts the aircraft to take pre-defined actions, which typically involve following an emergency protocol intended to preserve the aircraft and ensure its safety. The actions may include proceeding to an alternate mission profile or carrying out maneuvers that prioritize the safety of the assets involved, both on the ground and in the airspace.

While the other options entail returning to base, landing, or navigating to a predetermined location, those actions are typically reserved for scenarios where there is effective communication or specific instructions from ground control. In a lost link situation that is unresolved above the initial altitude, prioritizing an emergency mission ensures the aircraft can respond to the unforeseen circumstances with a greater degree of autonomy and safety.