"In this new occasional paper, Dr. J. Philip Craiger and Dr. Diane Maye Zorri explore current trends in small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) technology and its applications to Special Operations Forces (SOF). The paper begins with analysis of the definition and classification of sUAS, their major applications, and characteristics. The authors then present sUAS military applications, threats, current/future threat scenarios, and counter-sUAS capabilities and technology. The authors conclude with a look at the five-year trends in sUAS to include cyber-enabled counter-sUAS. Setting the stage in their introduction the authors state, "As armed forces around the world continue to invest in research and development of sUAS technologies, there will be tremendous potential to revolutionize warfare, particularly in context of special operations"" -- Publisher's description.
The utility and benefits of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are emerging and being recognized across the aviation industry. While this technology is not new, the ability to support domestic public and private operators are becoming better understood, opening up new uses to government organizations and commercial enterprise. Analysis of the unmanned aviation market indicates that small UAS (sUAS) will become the most prevalent and affordable form of unmanned aircraft available, featuring technology developed by contributors ranging from DIY and hobby model aircraft communities to defense contracting. This book will help readers understand what a drone or UAS is, what forms are available (including types of multirotor, fixed-wing, and hybrid), to make well informed decisions regarding purchase and use. Readers will learn how sUAS and their various configuration options can be used to address or support evolving business needs. Ultimately, readers will have enough information to formulate a plan to acquire necessary certification approvals and operate sUAS in a safe, efficient, and effective manner. Written for experienced aviators, as well as those new to aviation and operating in the National Airspace System. Illustrated extensively throughout, each chapter concludes with review questions for classroom and self-study use. This book provides a solid foundation for keeping up with this fast moving and exciting aviation field"--Provided by publisher
Advances in high spatial resolution mapping capabilities and the new rules established by the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States for the operation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) have provided new opportunities to acquire aerial data at a lower cost and more safely versus other methods. A similar opening of the skies for sUAS applications is being allowed in countries across the world. Also, sUAS can access hazardous or inaccessible areas during disaster events and provide rapid response when needed. Applications of Small Unmanned Aircraft systems: Best Practices and Case Studies is the first book that brings together the best practices of sUAS applied to a broad range of issues in high spatial resolution mapping projects. Very few sUAS pilots have the knowledge of how the collected imagery is processed into value added mapping products that have commercial and/or academic import. Since the field of sUAS applications is just a few years old, this book covers the need for a compendium of case studies to guide the planning, data collection, and most importantly data processing and map error issues, with the range of sensors available to the user community. Written by experienced academics and professionals, this book serves as a guide on how to formulate sUAS based projects, from choice of a sUAS, flight planning for a particular application, sensors and data acquisition, data processing software, mapping software and use of the high spatial resolution maps produced for particular types of geospatial modeling. Features: Focus on sUAS based data acquisition and processing into map products Broad range of case studies by highly experienced academics Practical guidance on sUAS hardware, sensors, and software utilized Compilation of workflow insights from expert professors and professionals Relevant to academia, government, and industry Positional and thematic map accuracy, UAS curriculum development and workflow replicability issues This book would be an excellent text for upper-level undergraduate to graduate level sUAS mapping application courses. It is also invaluable as a reference for educators designing sUAS based curriculum as well as for potential sUAS users to assess the scope of mapping projects that can be done with this technology.
Drones in Society takes the uninitiated on a journey to understand the history of drones, the present day and potential future in order to demystify the media hype. Written in an accessible style, itwill appeal to a broad range of interested readerships, among them students, safety regulators, government employees, airspace regulators, insurance brokers and underwriters, risk managers, lawyers, privacy groups and the RPAS industry generally. In a world first, this book is a light and interesting read; being both relatable and memorable while discussing complex matters of privacy, international law and the challenges ahead for us all.
The exponential growth of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) creates new risks for the Department of Defense (DoD). Technology trends are dramatically transforming legitimate applications of sUAS while simultaneously making them increasingly capable weapons in the hands of state actors, non-state actors, and criminals. Small UAS may also pose hazards to DoD operations in the air, land, and maritime domains when controlled by negligent or reckless operators. The Department must protect and defend personnel, facilities, and assets in an environment where increasing numbers of sUAS will share the skies with DoD aircraft, operate in the airspace over DoD installations, and be employed by our Nation’s adversaries. In response to this challenge, the Department initially emphasized the deployment and employment of government and commercially-built materiel to address the immediate risks posed by sUAS; however, it resulted in many non-integrated, redundant solutions. Although the initial approach addressed near-term requirements, it also introduced challenges that complicated the Department’s ability to keep pace with a constantly evolving problem. To address these challenges, the DoD requires a Department-wide holistic strategy for countering sUAS hazards and threats.
Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems surveys the fundamentals of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations, from sensors, controls, and automation to regulations, safety procedures, and human factors. It is designed for the student or layperson and thus assumes no prior knowledge of UASs, engineering, or aeronautics. Dynamic and well-illustrated, the first edition of this popular primer was created in response to a need for a suitable university-level textbook on the subject. Fully updated and significantly expanded, this new Second Edition: Reflects the proliferation of technological capability, miniaturization, and demand for aerial intelligence in a post-9/11 world Presents the latest major commercial uses of UASs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Enhances its coverage with greater depth and support for more advanced coursework Provides material appropriate for introductory UAS coursework in both aviation and aerospace engineering programs Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Second Edition capitalizes on the expertise of contributing authors to instill a practical, up-to-date understanding of what it takes to safely operate UASs in the National Airspace System (NAS). Complete with end-of-chapter discussion questions, this book makes an ideal textbook for a first course in UAS operations.
This volume comprises papers from the 18th Conference on Systems Engineering Research (CSER). The theme of this volume, “Recent Trends and Advances in Model-Based Systems Engineering,” reflects the fact that systems engineering is undergoing a transformation motivated by mission and system complexity and enabled by technological advances such as model-based systems engineering, digital engineering, and the convergence of systems engineering with other disciplines. This conference is focused on exploring recent trends and advances in model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and the synergy of MBSE with simulation technology and digital engineering. Contributors have submitted papers on MBSE methods, modeling approaches, integration of digital engineering with MBSE, standards, modeling languages, ontologies and metamodels, and economics analysis of MBSE to respond to the challenges posed by 21st century systems. What distinguishes this volume are the latest advances in MBSE research, the convergence of MBSE with digital engineering, and recent advances in applied research in MBSE, including growing convergence with systems science and decision science. This volume is appropriate as a reference text in graduate engineering courses in Model-Based Systems Engineering.
Autonomous unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) are critical to current and future military, civil, and commercial operations. Despite their importance, no previous textbook has accessibly introduced UAVs to students in the engineering, computer, and science disciplines--until now. Small Unmanned Aircraft provides a concise but comprehensive description of the key concepts and technologies underlying the dynamics, control, and guidance of fixed-wing unmanned aircraft, and enables all students with an introductory-level background in controls or robotics to enter this exciting and important area. The authors explore the essential underlying physics and sensors of UAV problems, including low-level autopilot for stability and higher-level autopilot functions of path planning. The textbook leads the student from rigid-body dynamics through aerodynamics, stability augmentation, and state estimation using onboard sensors, to maneuvering through obstacles. To facilitate understanding, the authors have replaced traditional homework assignments with a simulation project using the MATLAB/Simulink environment. Students begin by modeling rigid-body dynamics, then add aerodynamics and sensor models. They develop low-level autopilot code, extended Kalman filters for state estimation, path-following routines, and high-level path-planning algorithms. The final chapter of the book focuses on UAV guidance using machine vision. Designed for advanced undergraduate or graduate students in engineering or the sciences, this book offers a bridge to the aerodynamics and control of UAV flight.
The worldwide expansion in the development and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) has rapidly spawned a patchwork of regulatory initiatives in the field. It is with the purpose of synthesising and clarifying this diverse body of international, regional and national law – and of indicating trends and areas of concern – that this extraordinary collection of expert essays has been compiled. The authors, working in many different parts of the world, are all in some way affiliated with the International Institute of Air and Space Law at Leiden University as either alumni, faculty members or students. With details of developments affecting countries in every continent, including Antarctica, the authors delve into the ways regulation of UAS is affected by such aviation law elements as the following: – insurance; – criminal and civil liability; – role of international and supranational agencies – International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), European Union (EU), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN); – privacy and cyber security; and – civil UAS markets. Following detailed investigations of international and regional developments, the third section of the book covers a cross-section of national laws (Antarctica, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, China, Cyprus, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, The Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, South Africa, Suriname, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Turkey, United Kingdom, and United States). The authors’ approaches throughout are both introductory, allowing those unfamiliar with the field to gain valuable insight into this fascinating and dynamic area, and also critical and focused, so that those more involved in the legal dimension of aviation law can further their knowledge. Without a doubt this work enriches the legal literature and encourages stakeholders in this burgeoning field of aviation law to further examine and challenge developments and trends in regulation and of practice. Lawyers, law firms, academics, governments, relevant governmental and non-governmental agencies, and strategic planners in the UAS industry will all welcome this ground-breaking resource.
