AT 209 Introduction to Civil Unmanned Aerial
Systems (UAS)Professor M Leasure, Associate Professor AET ([email protected])
Class will meet 2 times per week for 50 minutes
Includes both lecture presentation and hands-on use of UAV technology
Airport hangars will be used for indoor flight operations
Limited outdoor flight opportunities are available as needed
Laboratory projects include simulator flight time and operation of various UAS platforms. A final group presentation will be required.
What you will learn in this class:
Demonstrate ability to manually fly unmanned aircraft visually and via remote video feed (FPV)
Acquire basic skills related to unmanned aircraft operation with flight simulator technology
Demonstrate ability to plan and execute mission plans for unmanned flights
Acquire knowledge of unmanned aircraft, operating systems, and ground control options
Demonstrate unmanned applications in achieving mission goals
Propose unmanned aerial applications and develop implementation plan
Present findings regarding proposed unmanned aircraft applications to class
Acquire working vocabulary of unmanned flight descriptions
Demonstrate autopilot installation, calibration, and system operation
Demonstrate skills related to system construction and maintenance
Unmanned Aerial Systems-UAS
This class will primarily focus on civil UAS applications and technology.
Topics are as follows:
1. Introduction2. History3. Platform Options4. Powerplant options5. Airframe construction6. Command and control systems (flight)7. Launch and recovery options8. Civilian applications9. Regulations10. Safety11. Repair and maintenance12. Sensor packages 13. Field Deployment Experience14. Current assets and presentation Specifications
What is a UAS/UAV? The UAV is an acronym for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which is an aircraft with no pilot on board. UAVs can be remote controlled aircraft (e.g. flown by a pilot at a ground control station) or can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems. UAVs are currently used for a number of missions, including reconnaissance and attack roles. A UAV is defined as being capable of controlled, sustained level flight and powered by a jet, electric, or reciprocating engine. In addition, a cruise missile can be considered to be a UAV, but is treated separately on the basis that the vehicle is the weapon. The acronym UAV has been expanded in some cases to UAVS (Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle System).
The FAA has adopted the acronym UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) to reflect the fact that these complex systems include ground stations and other elements besides the actual air vehicles.
UAS Types by mission
Target and decoy - providing ground and aerial gunnery a target that simulates an enemy aircraft or missile. (first used WW2)
Reconnaissance - providing battlefield intelligence (most common)
Combat - providing attack capability for high-risk missions (see Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, (UCAV)
Research and development - used to further develop technologies to be integrated into UAS aircraft
Civil and Commercial UAVs - UAVs specifically designed for civil, and potential commercial, applications such as agriculture, forestry, etc.
Manual Flight Controls, Mode 2
(up, down, right, left are referenced from virtual pilot seat)
UP
DOWN
YAW LEFT
FORWARD
Back
ROLL RIGHT
Fixed Wing Small
CALMAR Condor Agricultural Imaging UAV, 10’ span, 21 pounds loaded, Electric propulsion, hand launch, unimproved field landing
Components of a Complete UAS Operation
COA application and approval of platform and flights (regulatory)
Platform design and construction (manufacturing)
Flight test and development (flight)
Maintenance and repair of uas (technical)
Training for all aspects (education)
Coordinating and identifying applications with customers (marketing)
Investigating new technology (research)
Data package implementation, data analysis (data science)
Onboard electronics, guidance, power, control (avionics)
Coordination and monitoring of projects (management)
Securing funding and income streams ( finance)