UASs

UASs, or unmanned aerial systems, are a class of aircraft systems that operate without a human onboard. A UAS typically consists of three elements: an unmanned aircraft (the vehicle), a ground control station or other remote interface, and a data communications link that enables command and control and the transmission of sensor data. The term UAS is often used interchangeably with UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and drone, though UAV typically refers to the aircraft component alone.

There are various sizes and configurations, from small, lightweight quadcopters used for hobbyist photography to large, multi-rotor or fixed-wing platforms used for commercial or military tasks. UAS can operate with autonomous flight plans or be piloted remotely by a trained operator.

Operations are conducted under regulatory frameworks designed to ensure safety and privacy. Regulatory regimes typically require aircraft and operators to be registered, pilot certification, operational waivers for beyond-visual-line-of-sight flight, and adherence to airspace restrictions. In the United States, Part 107 governs small UAS operations; in the European Union, EASA rules apply. Many civil UAS incorporate sense-and-avoid systems and GPS-based navigation to manage collision risk.

Uses of UAS span military, civilian, and research domains. Militaries use them for reconnaissance, surveillance, or precision fires; civilian applications include aerial surveying, agriculture, pipeline and infrastructure inspection, disaster response, journalism, and environmental monitoring. Advances in autonomy, payload diversity, and data analytics continue to broaden their capabilities and integration into airspace with traditional aircraft.

Challenges include safety, privacy, cybersecurity, and airspace integration. Ongoing standards development aims to improve interoperability and risk management across operators and jurisdictions.