ABSTRACT
This chapter is dedicated to the electro-optical (EO), radio-frequency (RF), and electronic devices or components best suited for the current and next generations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Reliability, device performance, miniaturization, low power consumption, and minimum weight and size have been given serious consideration in identifying these components for UAVs. In addition, critical parameters such as extreme thermal environments, mechanical integrity, shocks, and vibration are considered in the component selection process, because these UAVs may be required to operate at altitudes ranging 5,000-50,000 ft in military missions. Fuel consumption is strictly dependent on the vehicle weight, weapon payload, endurance, flight dynamic conditions of the platform, and the weight of the EO and RF subsystems such as forward-looking infrared (FLIR) and IR high-resolution cameras, associated stabilizing gimbals, sidelooking radar (SLR), illuminating IR laser system, reconnaissance receiver, surveillance receiver, pods for special sensors, laser-guided Hellfire missiles, and so on. Because of atmospheric turbulence and unstable flight conditions, the EO and RF sensors must be secured at the appropriate locations on the UAV platform using strong, reliable, miniaturized bolts, lock-nuts, and screws.
