Aerial networks refer to the wireless communication networks formed by aerial nodes such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), floating balloons, airships, etc. These aerial nodes can be deployed as aerial base stations, relays, or access points to provide wireless coverage for ground terminals in the sky. Thanks to attractive features such as on-demand deployment, fast response, and high opportunity for line-of-sight (LoS) communication links, aerial networks can enhance the coverage of traditional terrestrial networks and assist in the achievement of various beyond fifth generation (B5G) or sixth generation (6G) applications. Besides, the integration of aerial networks with terrestrial networks can greatly extend the coverage area, improve the data rate, and enhance the network robustness. Owning to the great potential in coverage enhancement, the study of aerial networks has become the focus of both academic and industry researchers.

However, due to the high altitude and high mobility of the aerial nodes, the unique characteristics of air-ground channel, the asymmetric quality of service (QoS) requirements for downlink command and control (C&C) and uplink mission-related data transmission, the stringent constraints imposed by the size, weight, and power limitations, the aerial networks are significantly different from the terrestrial networks. As a consequence, new air-ground channel models are needed for aerial network design and analysis. New resource and mobility management schemes are important for QoS guarantee and performance improvement. Furthermore, novel network architectures and communication protocols are also urgently needed to promote the application of aerial networks in B5G/6G. Motivated by the above, this special issue will focus on the key theoretical and engineering problems for the coverage enhancement techniques for B5G/6G with aerial networks.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to collect the advanced architectures, protocols, and algorithms for aerial networks from excellent researchers, and thus provide theoretical foundation and technical support for the application of aerial networks in future mobile communication systems. We welcome original research and review articles.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Channel measurement and modeling for air-ground links
• New multiple access techniques for aerial networks
• New architectures and communication protocols for aerial networks
• Interference management for aerial networks
• Antenna design for aerial equipment
• Position and trajectory optimization for aerial nodes
• Resource management for aerial networks
• Energy-efficient wireless coverage for aerial networks
• Aerial networks supported emergency communications
• Machine learning for aerial communications
• New application of aerial networks in B5G and 6G
• Coverage area expansion with the aid of aerial networks
• The integration of aerial networks with terrestrial networks