With the rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicle network technology, large-scale unmanned aerial vehicle self-organized network collaboration technology has received widespread attention from researchers. Compared with traditional communication methods, unmanned aerial vehicle ad hoc networks can achieve fast networking, multi hop transmission, and multi task collaborative operations, while also possessing higher survivability and other characteristics. Building ad hoc network technology is one of the key links in achieving unmanned aerial vehicle cluster operations. This article first introduces the current development status of unmanned aerial vehicle ad hoc networks, then provides the main commonly used network topology structures of UAV ad hoc networks. Finally, a deep analysis is conducted on the key technologies of the ad hoc network, including appropriate multiple access protocol, strong robustness, relative positioning technology, network survivability, low interception, and anti-interference capabilities in unmanned aerial vehicle ad hoc network technology, which provides some reference value for practical engineering application.