UAS

Unmanned aerial system, or UAS, refers to the complete set of components used to operate an unmanned aircraft. A UAS includes the unmanned aerial vehicle (the aircraft itself), the ground control station, and the communications links that connect them, along with supporting equipment and software. The term is often used to emphasize the integrated nature of the system, in contrast with the vehicle alone (the unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV).

Unmanned aircraft may be remotely piloted or operate autonomously under mission planning software. The ground control station provides command and control, telemetry, and payload management, while the data link maintains communication with the aircraft. Supporting elements include power sources, maintenance infrastructure, launch and recovery systems, and payloads such as cameras or sensors. UAS are used in a wide range of fields, from aerial photography, mapping, and agriculture to infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, and logistics.

Regulation of UAS varies by country. Most jurisdictions require some form of pilot certification, operational permissions, and adherence to airspace rules. In the United States, small UAS operations are governed by rules under the FAA Part 107 and related waivers; in the European Union, EASA coordinates UAS rules with national authorities, with concepts such as U-space for airspace management. Safety and privacy concerns drive ongoing development of detect-and-avoid technologies, weather considerations, cybersecurity of control links, and risk-based assessment of operations, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.

As technology advances, UAS are increasingly capable of autonomous flight, longer range, and heavier payloads, leading to expanded commercial and public use. Industry and regulators continue to work on integration into controlled airspace, standardization of best practices, and ensuring safe, responsible operation.