ABSTRACT

This chapter discusses the elements that combine to create an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). Most unmanned systems consist of an unmanned aircraft or remotely piloted aircraft, human pilot, payload, control elements, and data link communication architecture. Because of the efficiencies in their design, they generally have better endurance than their vertical takeoff and landing counterparts. Some small fixed-wing platforms like AeroVironment's Raven are hand-launched, and are recovered by stalling the aircraft over the intended landing spot or by deploying a parachute. On the other end of the spectrum, a vehicle's onboard autopilot can control everything from takeoff to landing, requiring no pilot intervention. However, the pilot-in-command can intervene in case of emergencies to override the autopilot and change the flight path or avoid a hazard if necessary. The offer many of the same operational advantages that large UAS autopilots offer and are far less expensive.