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KJA RECOMMENDATION
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) –
TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA
(INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS PILOT-PROJECTS)
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga
(Karnataka Knowledge Commission)
Government of Karnataka
September 2017
PREPARED BY KJA STUDY GROUP
(PREPARED BY KJA STUDY GROUP)
(RECOMMENDATION SUBMITTED BY KJA)
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS PILOT-PROJECTS)
September
2017
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga
(Karnataka Knowledge Commission)
Government of Karnataka
Cover picture credit
https://pixabay.com/en/drone
-online source of free High-Quality images
Published by:
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga
(Karnataka Knowledge Commission)
Government of Karnataka
Room No. 432, 433, 438 and 439
4th Floor, Vikasa Soudha
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Veedhi
Bengaluru – 560 001
e-mail: [email protected]
www.karnataka.gov.in/jnanaayoga
Dr. K. Kasturirangan
Chairman - KJA
MESSAGE
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are an emerging area of automation and has
significant potential – not just as a social tool that can change local governance BUT
also as a commercial activity for a large estimated market demand. Policies for UAS
are still in definition stage as they have to co-exist with aircrafts in our airspace AND
also have to build considerable safety and security features that exist in other
technology – aircraft, automobiles etc. There is very limited end-to-end experience of
UAS applications and thus undertaking pilot-studies and developing robust
procedures is important.
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga (KJA) recognized the potential of UAS and decided to
undertake a study on the technology, applications and policies of UAS – with a view
that Karnataka can initiate a strategic plan for being the leader in this area. KJA
debated that UAS can not only serve governance and become a commercial
success BUT it is also the perfect “system study tool” for our younger generation – thus
it must also be embedded in education systems. Karnataka has potential to emerge
as a Manufacturing hub for UAS – along with, a boost to various sensor and payload
technology.
I am very happy that KJA has brought out an excellent report on UAS Technology,
Applications and Policies and has outlined a very well-define UAS Pilot Project. The
report has been the outcome of a very knowledgeable Study Group that KJA
constituted under the excellent leadership of Dr. Baldev Raj and Dr. B.V. Naidu, apart
from many expert Members. I am happy that the Group has had intense consultations
and workshops to obtain a wide range of views for finalizing the report. The UAS Report
has also been discussed with the S&T Department – especially with the Hon’ble
Minister for S&T. Finally, KJA discussed the UAS report in its 7th Meeting and
endorsed/approved the report as a formal KJA Recommendation.
I take this opportunity to thank the KJA Study Group – especially, Dr. Baldev Raj and
Dr. B.V. Naidu and also all the KJA Members for this efforts and guidance – collectively,
KJA has reached an important milestone of submitting yet another innovative KJA
recommendation to the state of Karnataka.
It gives me great pleasure that this KJA Recommendation on UAS is now submitted to
Government of Karnataka – the Government now has a road map for developing the
UAS segment and implementing the recommendations in Mission mode, as
recommended by KJA.
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
FOREWORD
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga (KJA) has been established by Government of Karnataka
(GOK) as an expert recommendatory body on innovation and knowledge activities
in governance systems and for benefit to the state. With 30 experts from various walks
of life, KJA is a unique “pool of knowledge and expertise” that works with the GOK
Departments and many institutions to consider and recommend unique ideations –
that are not only relevant but have a far-reaching impact for future state
development.
Over the past 3 years, KJA has already submitted 8 unique recommendations for
various sectors to the Karnataka Government. The progressive state government of
Karnataka has already taken up implementation of 6 of these KJA recommendations
through its various Departments.
KJA identified the technology and applications of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as
having potential for Karnataka to take leadership. The main reason is that remote-
flying technology and miniaturization, with lowering of costs, have created “flying
systems” which every citizen can experience in local area. Fitted with unique
cameras, sensors and payloads, the UAS becomes a high-potential tool for remote
survey and data collection; delivery of small “consignments” and even bring
exhilarating experience to the young of “building and piloting flying objects”.
Worldover, UAS are drawing great attention from governments – because they can
use it for good-governance; from companies – because they can make a business of
it; by academia – because there are tremendous research opportunities for
advancement. The technology is mature and there are umpteen examples of UAS
applications – though in pockets and demonstrative and very few are holistically
operational. Policies for UAS are still under grappling in various nations – the UAS
systems have to be “fit into” the already well-established aviation sector and the
stringent aviation safety/security procedures are seen as a benchmark for UAS
systems. Thus, challenges do exist for UAS Policies.
UAS can be used at local levels, and for smaller areas, for precision applications for
Agriculture monitoring and operations, Urban and City Management, Property Tax
assessment, Forest mensuration (Karnataka Forest Department has tried out examples
for this), Mine monitoring and management, traffic monitoring and civic operations,
Disaster management, Archaeological site mapping, infrastructure planning and
assessment and many others. Different types of UAS with a variety of imaging,
biological, delivery, gas-sniffer payloads can play an important role in governance.
UAS also have tremendous utilization in military applications – in fact, large military
market is spurring UAS technology and its development globally. However, KJA
decided to mainly address civilian applications of UAS – which itself is of considerable
size and importance.
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
KJA looks at UAS from 2 perspectives – one, as a manufacturing capability that needs
to be developed to address the domestic and global market. Such a capability is very
much essential – this will not only develop technological capability in the country but
will also be the source of employment and business to many Indian entities. Further, if
manufacturing capability is not developed, most UAS and drones would be imported
(which is happening now) – mainly from China, which has a large manufacturing
system. India must develop the manufacturing capability and utilize its large
technological skill and business talent and make a mark in the industry sector. Second,
KJA is convinced that applications of UAS for governance have high potential –
especially at local grass-root level of panchayats, villages, cities, industrial areas,
traffic corridors, mines and sites etc. It is important to have an end-to-end standard
operating procedure worked out because one has to address permission/clearances,
flying and data collection, data analysis and information extraction, decision support
information etc. Another aspect is to build manufacturing capability for UAS – it has
to start from a supported approach involving academia and universities – they must
take up join manufacturing thrust and yield a capability building in the state as this will
help the industrial production of UAS.
Bengaluru has the best of aviation and aircraft expert knowledge in its multitude of
agencies – thus, KJA is of the view that Karnataka could take the lead in this area.
After careful consideration in KJA, over few meetings, it was agreed that an expert
group must be constituted to consider the wide ranging technology, applications and
policy aspect of UAS and craft a strategic plan for future development of UAS. KJA
established an expert group of 18 Members from different agencies and expertise –
Co-Chaired by 2 eminent experts, one Dr. Baldev Raj, Director of NIAS and second, Dr
BV Naidu, an acclaimed IT Professional. The Group had members from various
national laboratories, academia of Karnataka, experts from industries and other
experts, apart from GOK officials. The Study Group had innumerable consultations,
both within the Group and in 3 workshops outside the Group. Within a period of an
year, the Group had a draft report ready – this draft report was subjected to a series
of intense discussion with GOK Departments at various levels – at the department
officials level, with Ministerial level and also with the Chief Secretary of Karnataka.
Finally, on September 7, 2017, KJA formally considered the draft UAS Report of the
Study Group and approved/endorsed the KJA Recommendation on UAS Technology,
Applications and Policies.
KJA, as part of its recommendation, has honed down on 5 major recommendations:
• Inclusion of UAS as part of Karnataka Aviation Policy and thrust to
manufacturing capability to make Karnataka a global hub for UAS
• Bringing UAS study as part of Higher Education and research so that younger
generation are exposed to the “systems experience of UAS”
• Specific support for indigenous design and manufacturing of UAS by a
challenge fund through academia+industry
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Developing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for various Application areas
in Governance.
• Establish a Mission mode programme and 3-tiered management structure in
state for implementing the UAS strategy
I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to the Study Group-UAS Members and
to the 2 Co-Chairs - Dr. Baldev Raj and Dr. B.V. Naidu for their excellent contributions
and leadership in preparing this report. I take this opportunity to thank all KJA Members
– who guided this activity through various deliberations. I also thank Mr. Vijaykrishna,
Member Secretary of the Study Group, Ms. Nandhini and Ms. Jayashri of KJA
Secretariat who have been helping out at “ground level” and doing all the nitty-gritty
coordination, research and drafting – their contributions are noteworthy of mention.
Dr. Kasturirangan, Chairman, KJA provided the key leadership to KJA and also
involved himself in many of the UAS technical discussions and workshop deliberations
– his vast knowledge and wide systems experience, from managing space missions
and other major programmes, has helped in crafting a ‘holistic action plan” for UAS
in Karnataka. I take this opportunity to thank Dr. Kasturirangan for his guidance,
mentoring and overall steering of KJA activities and for the UAS report.
On behalf of KJA, I acknowledge, with gratitude and thanks, for the excellent support
of Hon’ble Minister of S&T, GOK; Chief Secretary, GOK; Additional Chief Secretary,
Finance Dept. of GOK; Principal Secretary, S&T; Additional Chief Secretary, UDD of
GOK; Principal Secretary, Agri. Department of GOK and ADG of Police of GOK – all of
whom were convinced of the potential of UAS and shared the KJA vision for the need
for Karnataka to take leadership. They readily supported the KJA and also guided in
specific on considering implementation aspects for UAS and the Pilot Projects. In fact,
because of the support of the Hon’ble Minister and these key officials, Hon’ble CM of
Karnataka accepted Dr. Kasturirangan’s suggestion on UAS Plot Project and has
earmarked budget for same in FY 2017-18 budget – this shows the immense conviction
and support for the UAS applications.
On behalf of the KJA, it is a matter of great pleasure for me that KJA Recommendation
on UAS Technologies, Applications and Policies – Strategy for Karnataka is now
submitted to GOK and wish that it will be implemented soon.
Mukund Kadursrinivas Rao,
Member Secretary – KJA
September 18, 2017
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
PREFACE
We are witnessing a new ‘avtar’ of robots in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). UAS can
function in natural and created spaces of interest - be it water, air or ground. This
report dwells on UAS which are driving paradigm changes in civilian sector, security
sector and enabling evolution of new models of governance and business. The UAS
have already emerged as crucial enabler of sustainable agriculture, healthcare in
city and remote areas, effective disaster management, condition monitoring of
assets, tax collection, archeological sites management and conservation, ensuring,
cleanliness, disease control, management of traffic, smart city planning and
management, control of law and order in chaotic situations effectively with evidence
based data, etc. and responsible decisions in governance.
Most of the applications of UAS are in civilian domain – though applications in security
and defence domains are also increasing. The applications are ever growing for
meeting essential and aspirational demands of citizens and the government.
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga (KJA) took an imaginative step to constitute an experts
group - “KJA Study Group on UAS Technology, Applications and Policy”. The study
group through consultations, meetings, well designed workshops and engagements
with priority stockholders in Government of Karnataka, Government of India, private
sector and academia has outlined many potential applications of high value and
significance to the Government of Karnataka, in addition to making overarching
recommendations to achieve mandate of the study group.
The report describes UAS applications and defines 2 systematic pilot-projects – with
detailed specifications, envisaged outcomes and effective implementation
mechanisms for pilot projects. Implementation framework is carefully discussed and
suggestions have been made. It is important that in interdisciplinary domain of UAS,
Government of Karnataka strengthens distributed expertise available (in enough
measure and quality) to design, and manufacture and ensure robust performance of
indigenous UAS. The second pilot-project proposal describes imaginative kick starting
a variety of UAS applications of relevance to Governance.
Karnataka is a lead state with clearly established expertise in aerospace design,
materials manufacturing, power supplies, payloads, data analytics, unique capability
in sensors, information and communication technology and regulatory aspects of
airworthy vehicles. UAS, full of promise and applications, is also an interdisciplinary
domain with exciting challenges relating to staying in space for extended periods in
a wide spectrum of environments power supplies, intelligence for navigation,
specificity of payloads, regulations, cost effectiveness, etc.
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
The study group is of the firm conviction that Karnataka can aspire to be the lead
state in UAS and can provide impetus and growth of this high opportunity technology
domain which worldwide is estimated to grow to $100 billion from 2016-2020; mostly
civilian applications. Even by conservative estimates - if we consider 10 percent
potential for India to access, the size leads to $10 billion opportunity. Moreover
worldwide challenges and applications have made manufacturing and operation of
UAS a fertile research area attracting eminent academicians, researchers, industry,
entrepreneurs and policy specialists as evidenced by patents, research publications
and products. A wide spectrum of UAS (size, design, applications) requires different
levels of challenges to be addressed and also to achieve cost and regulatory
adequacy aspects.
The study group has made a comprehensive study to cover all aspects in a wide
spectrum of human resources (education), technologies, applications, regulatory
aspects, and robust implementation strategy to make meaningful recommendations
which includes the two pilot projects. We sincerely expect that these
recommendations shall be discussed expeditiously and implemented by Karnataka
to charter growth of UAS programme in Karnataka which can be in the foundation of
mastering the technology and meeting current and future applications needs
indigenously and in time to cater to increase in the demands and aspirations of UAS
usage. It needs to be stated that UAS technology can be translated to such
unmanned systems under water and even on-ground, etc. through innovations and
translations, thus opening even larger opportunities.
Realizing the importance of the technology for Governance and taking into
consideration in progress work of the Study Group, Government of Karnataka has
made a provision of specific budget, at the behest of Karnataka Knowledge
Commission, for implementing the UAS pilot projects which will aid early validation of
UAS technology through specific applications and nurturing and growth of indigenous
technology for UAS manufacturing.
We hope this report will be useful to Karnataka in charting its roadmap for the growth
of UAS sector and hope that our recommendations will find favorable consideration
by KJA and GOK for further action. The Study Group takes the opportunity to thank
KJA – especially its Chairman, Dr. K. Kasturiranagn, for giving us this opportunity to
engage in this upcoming and innovation area and also for the excellent support and
motivation from the Government of Karnataka.
Dr. B. V. Naidu
Co-Chair, SG-UAS
Dr. Baldev Raj
Co-Chair, SG-UAS
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
KJA STUDY GROUP –UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (SG-UAS) (http://www.karnataka.gov.in/jnanaayoga/Govt%20Order%20%20Circulars/KJA%20
UASOfficeOrder-10.pdf)
Co-Chairs of SG-UAS
• Dr. B.V. Naidu, Member-KJA
• Dr. Baldev Raj, Director, NIAS/Ex-President, INAE
Member Secretary of SG-UAS
• Mr. R. Vijay Krishna, Project Manager, NDRF
Members of SG-UAS
• Dr. K. Ramachandra, Director, NDRF
• Dr. A. K. Ghosh, Professor, Aerospace Dept, IIT Kanpur
• Representative of DG, DGCA
• Dr. Mukund K. Rao, Member-Secretary, KJA & Chairman, KGIS Technical
Committee
• Dr. M.Y.S. Prasad, Former Director, SDCC/ISRO
• Mr. Rahul Narayanan, CEO, INDUS
• Representative of VC, VTU
• Mr. K. R. Sridhara Murthi, Director, IIAEMS, Jain University
• Dr. P.V. Stayanarayana Murthy, Head MAV Unit, NASL
• Dr. G. Ramesh, Visiting Professor, Jain University
• Dr. Krishan Venkatesh, Director, CIIRC, Jyothi Institute of Technology
• Addl. Chief Secretary, Home Department, GOK (or Rep)
• Addl. Chief Secretary, Higher Education, GOK (or Rep)
• Principal Secretary, Agriculture, GOK (or Representative)
• Principal Secretary, Planning, GOK (or Representative)
• Principal Secretary, S&T and IT/BT, GOK (or Representative)
• PCCF, GOK
• Secretary, Urban Development, GOK (or Representative)
• Mr. Bhaskar Rao, ADGP (Representative of IGP, Karnataka)
• Dr. Honne Gowda, Director, S&T, GOK (Special Permanent Invitee)
Convenors of SG-UAS
• Ms. Nandhini R, Research Associate, KJA Secretariat (Present)
• Dr. Ms. M. Jayashri, Research Associate, KJA Secretariat (Formerly)
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
Co-Convenor of SG-UAS
• Ms. Rachana, RA, KJA Secretariat (Present)
• Mr. Deepak K, Sr. Research Associate, KJA Secretariat (Formerly)
KJA Secretariat Support
• Mr. Ashok Kumar, Admn/Finance Executive, KJA Secretariat
• Mr. Ravi, DEO, KJA Secretariat
• Ms. Vinutha, KJA Secretariat
• Mr. Roshan, Fin Asst, KJA Secretariat
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KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
KJA has had numerous consultations and discussions with a wide range of experts and
officials of GOK. Grateful thanks to the following senior officers of GOK:
• Shri. Subhash Chandra Khuntia, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka –
who has provided the leadership of the bureaucracy to KJA and, specifically,
valuable guidance and direction to the UAS Study Group.
• Mr. ISN Prasad, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department of GOK
provided all encouragement and support for steering the UAS Pilot Project
Recommendations into the state budget and supporting this innovative activity.
• Shri. Gaurav Gupta, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of IT-BT and S&T,
Government of Karnataka has actively contributed with important ideations and
guidance to the UAS Study Group and has helped define the UAS Pilot Projects.
• Shri. Jawaid Akhtar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education has been
extremely supportive in a pragmatic manner and has helped in the development
of ideations and the strategies for UAS.
• Shri. Maheswara Rao, IAS, Secretary, Agriculture; Mr. Mahendra Jain, IAS,
Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department; Shri. Ponnuraj, IAS,
(Former) Secretary, Shri. Anjum Parwez IAS, (Present), Secretary, Urban
Development Department and Mr. Bhaskar Rao, ADGP – all of them provided very
valuable inputs for scoping the UAS Pilot Project definition and also provided deep
insights into how UAS applications must embed into governance systems.
KJA gratefully acknowledges the support of the officials of the Department of IT, BT
and S&T; Urban Development Department; Agriculture Department; Police
Department; Higher Education and others under Government of Karnataka for
helping and participating in the numerous discussions and contributing to finalization
of this report.
KJA extends its gratitude to Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) – who readily
nominated a representative to the Study group and participated in a fulsome manner
in all discussions which was very useful in scoping the policy aspects of UAS.
KJA expresses its gratitude to the large number of expert delegates who participated
in the 2 important UAS Workshops that were conducted by the Study group and
thanks the various government agencies, industries and academia who participated.
KJA acknowledges the excellent role played by the UAS Study Group Members –
especially its 2 Co-Chairs – Dr. Baldev Raj and Dr. B.V. Naidu who along with all the
Members have put in their best efforts and brought innovative thinking towards
finalizing this Report.
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
KJA Members have been the “fulcrum” that has defined and shaped the various
activities of KJA – in this case the UAS Strategy Report. The KJA Members have had
numerous meetings/discussions on the technology of UAS and have brought attention
and serious consideration for outlining a roadmap for Karnataka to emerge as the
“UAS Destination” and for UAS applications in Governance. Grateful thanks to all the
KJA Members.
In the preparation of the final UAS Recommendations, the KJA Study Group consulted,
discussed, obtained suggestions, inputs and support from large number of experts –
UAS Study Group extends special thanks to this “collective body of experts” for their
valuable inputs and contributions to the Report.
KJA Secretariat provided the back-end research support and coordination support –
a team of youngsters that brought in vital energy in “sewing up” multiple elements
and helping the UAS SG in its numerous meetings, record-keeping and in finalising the
report.
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KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
CONTENTS
MESSAGE
FOREWORD
PREFACE
KJA STUDY GROUP –UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (SG-UAS)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 9
1.1 IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF UAS ...................................................... 11
1.2 IMPORTANCE OF UAS MANUFACTURING ..................................................... 15
2. TECHNOLOGY ELEMENTS OF UAS .............................................................................. 17
2.1 BROAD SUB-SYSTEMS OF UAS ......................................................................... 17
2.2 TYPES OF UAS ................................................................................................... 18
2.3 TECHNOLOGICAL COMPARISON OF UAS .................................................... 19
2.4 PAYLOADS FOR UAS ........................................................................................ 21
2.5 FUTURE TRENDS AND RESEARCH IN UAS........................................................ 22
2.6 LIMITATIONS OF UAS ........................................................................................ 22
2.7 UAS – CAPABILITY IN INDIA ............................................................................. 23
2.7.1 INDIGENOUS UAS, PAYLOAD AND ASSOCIATED TECHNOLOGIES ............. 24
2.7.2 STATUS OF UAS MANUFACTURING BASE IN THE COUNTRY .......................... 24
3. APPLICATIONS OF UAS– KARNATAKA FOCUS........................................................... 27
3.1 UAS APPLICATIONS - GOVERNANCE IN KARNATAKA ................................. 28
4. UAS MANUFACTURING – KARNATAKA STRATEGY..................................................... 33
4.1 SPECIFIC ACTIONS – MANUFACTURING HUB ............................................... 35
4.2 SPECIFIC ACTIONS – UAS TEST RANGE .......................................................... 35
5. POLICY AND REGULATIONS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS .............................. 37
5.1 UAS POLICY – GLOBAL SCENARIO ................................................................ 37
5.2 ISSUES FOR UAS POLICY .................................................................................. 38
5.3 KARNATAKA UAS POLICY ............................................................................... 39
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
5.3.1. UAS IN KARNATAKA AEROSPACE POLICY..................................................... 39
5.3.2. POLICY ACTIONS – UAS IN EDUCATION& RESEARCH .................................. 40
5.3.3. POLICY ACTIONS - MANUFACTURE OF UAS .................................................. 41
5.3.4. POLICY ACTIONS - UAS APPLICATIONS ......................................................... 42
5.3.5. UAS SALES, OPERATIONS AND SERVICES ....................................................... 42
5.3.6. UAS CONTROL AUTHORITY .............................................................................. 43
5.4 PROPOSED UAS RULES AND REGULATIONS .................................................. 43
6. UAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN KARNATAKA ............................................................ 51
6.1 UAS COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION .......................................................... 52
6.1.1. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS ..................................................................................... 52
6.1.2. LINEAR ALGEBRA .............................................................................................. 52
6.1.3. INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEM ENGINEERING .................................................... 53
6.1.4. UAS FUNDAMENTALS ....................................................................................... 53
6.1.5. UAV DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ..................................................................... 53
6.1.6. UAS FLIGHT TEST & EVALUATION ..................................................................... 54
6.1.7. UAV LAWS & REGULATIONS ............................................................................ 54
6.1.8. UAV AERODYNAMICS & FLIGHT STABILITY ..................................................... 55
6.1.9. UAS REMOTE SENSING - I ................................................................................. 55
6.1.10. INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS ........................................................................ 56
6.1.11. UAS REMOTE SENSING - II ................................................................................ 56
6.1.12. AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED SYSTEMS ........................................................... 57
6.1.13. MAN MACHINE INTERFACE ............................................................................. 57
6.1.14. CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN .............................................................................. 58
6.2 UAS TRAINING PROGRAMMES ....................................................................... 58
6.3 UAS RESEARCH IN UNIVERSITY ........................................................................ 58
6.4 ESTABLISH UAS LABS IN UNIVERSITIES.............................................................. 59
7. UAS PILOT PROJECTS– (1) UAS APPLICATIONS AND (2) INDIGENOUS UAS
MANUFACTURING ............................................................................................................. 61
7.1 PILOT-1: SYSTEMATIC DEMONSTRATION OF UAS APPLICATION IN
GOVERNANCE .................................................................................................................... 62
7.1.1. PILOT-1: OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................ 63
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
7.1.2. PROPERTY-TAX MAPPING AND BASE MAPPING IN URBAN AREAS - URBAN
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ......................................................................... 64
7.1.3. AUTONOMOUS FIELD-BY-FIELD CROP AREA ESTIMATION IN A PANCHAYAT
AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT ........................................................................... 68
7.1.4. CIVIC OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT ........................... 71
7.1.5. SYSTEMS PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF UAS FOR SOP GUIDLINES .................. 73
7.1.6. PILOT-1 UAS APPLICATIONS - OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ............... 74
7.2 PILOT-2: DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF UAS ....................................... 76
7.2.1. PILOT-2: OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................ 77
7.2.2. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................... 78
7.2.3. CHALLENGE FUND AND OUTCOMES ............................................................. 80
7.2.4. DURATION ......................................................................................................... 80
8. OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................. 81
8.1 RECOMMENDATIONS – UAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ..... 81
8.2 RECOMMENDATIONS – UAS POLICY ............................................................. 82
8.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – UAS PILOT PROJECTS .............................................. 83
8.4 RECOMMENDATIONS – STATE LEVEL COORDINATION AND MONITORING .
........................................................................................................................... 84
Annexure- 1: GO on KARNATAKA JNANA AAYOGA (KJA) .......................................... 87
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
KJA Recommendation 1 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Karnataka is in fore-front of aerospace technology development and
utilization of integrated ICT solutions – within government, private /public
sector and academia. The technology of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is
rapidly emerging as an important element of the aerospace segment - while
world-over, the UAS technology and applications have been on a rise, it is still
at nascent level in India.
2. UAS is bringing a new paradigm to society - by bringing a simplistic “piloting
experience” to common people of society AND at the same time emerging
as a sophisticated, but easy to operate at local-levels, technology for
image/data collection that can help real-time monitoring of crops, forests,
water-bodies, urban growth etc, for civic monitoring, for disaster management
support and many other governance needs.
3. KJA, in its 4th meeting held on 4th July 2015, decided to constitute an expert
Study Group for Unmanned Aerial Systems (SG-UAS) aim of defining a
comprehensive report on UAS Technology, Applications and Policies as a
strategy plan where Karnataka can lead.
4. 3 major imperatives of UAS are important – how can Karnataka become a
manufacturing hub for large demand of UAS (global and domestic) in future;
what are the applications to which UAS can be used to – especially can some
level of standards definition happen; third, how UAS can be part of education
system – especially as it embodies multi-disciplinary character of technological
learning. If all these aspects of UAS are all well addressed and articulated in a
comprehensive study, then KJA feels that India would leap-frog and establish
an effective national eco-system for UAS.
IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF UAS
5. UAS have many civilian applications due to the ease of operation, relatively
easy data collection, local operations flexibility etc. The main advantage of
UAS is that they are ready-to-use, versatile and can be flown at short notice
with variety of sensors - cameras, night cameras, infrared cameras,
multispectral cameras, LiDAR sensors, pollution measuring instruments, geo
physical instrumentation, agricultural spraying payloads and a number of
other sensors/payloads.
KJA Recommendation 2 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
IMPORTANCE OF UAS MANUFACTURING
6. Numerous forecasts project global UAS markets will experience strong growth
during the next 10-15 years and an amount of $89.1 billion is expected to be
spent on UAS. UAS technologies are a source of important spin-off to aero-
space sector and a key element of the future growth of aeronautics sector.
7. It is important that Karnataka takes lead in making rightful and progressive
policies and enabling rules and guidelines to address this just-entering and very
important technology into modern society.
TECHNOLOGY ELEMENTS OF UAS
8. The principal sub-systems which make UAS truly versatile are - Airframe, Control
Algorithms, On-board Electronics, Propulsion & Power Systems, Payloads AND
software systems for guidance and control, flight planning, object detection
etc. UAS are also characterized based on various configurations: Ornithopters,
Fixed Wing, Helicopter, Multi-rotor systems.
9. A variety of sensors and instrumentation are available that can go as payload
on a UAS system. These instruments detect light, sound, heat, chemical
components, magnetic variations and imaging for a variety of applications.
10. In India, a number of industries are currently entering this field considering the
potential growth of this technology for diverse applications in the civil and
commercial sectors. Presently, there is no 100 percent indigenous UAS
manufacturing – thus, designing, developing and manufacturing of the
payloads indigenously will revolutionize the civil UAS industry in India.
APPLICATIONS & MANUFACTURING OF UAS– KARNATAKA FOCUS
11. UAS has tremendous applications in Agriculture, Forest, Mining, Homeland
Security, Archaeology, Disaster Management, Urban Growth Monitoring,
Oil/Energy, Environmental, Geospatial Data Collection etc. and in many
areas, such as surveillance, mapping, survey, inspection, property tax
assessment etc. Private citizens and media organizations use UAS for
recreation, news-gathering, personal land assessment, event videography
etc. Karnataka state must make maximal use of UAS for Governance.
12. University research in UAV will increase and will be largely funded so that a
matured UAS product would evolve from the multiple departments of the
University. Industries should be made to closely work with Universities to evolve
KJA Recommendation 3 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
manufacturing and research intake models so that indigenous development
is encouraged.
POLICY AND REGULATIONS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS
13. It is important that Karnataka lead in making rightful and progressive policies
and empowering rules and guidelines. Karnataka must take lead to
incorporate a special UAS section in Aerospace Policy to focus on:
• Design and manufacturing of UAS for national and global markets
• Testing and Certification of UAS for different uses
• Introduction of UAS in Higher Education
14. Karnataka has a state Aviation Policy – UAS Policy must get embedded into
Aviation Policy.
15. Karnataka must take lead to incorporate a special UAS section in Aerospace
Policy with the main aim of encouraging the indigenous development,
manufacturing and wide applications of UAS in an orderly and socially
responsible manner.
16. The focus needs to be:
• To make Karnataka a preferred global destination for manufacturing of
UAS systems & sub-systems, payloads, navigation instruments,
components and software and testing.
• To facilitate the wide use of UAS for various applications for Governance
in different departments and works of Government. This should enable to
bring in standardised UAS Applications into efficient and affordable
professional services for any governance activity and enable local-level
procurement of services.
• To create an eco-system comprising infrastructure, education and R&D to
make the State a conducive hot spot for UAS industry; make Karnataka
an attractive geography for global tier-1 suppliers.
• To encourage use of indigenously designed, developed and
manufactured Drones/ Flying model aircrafts/ and larger Unmanned
Aerial Systems. As an incentive and risk mitigation for the indigenous
manufacturing industry, it would be appropriate for GOK to adopt
preferential selection of indigenously manufactured UAS under the GOK
challenge fund for sourcing UAS services and procurements within GOK –
provided the technical merits are achieved.
• To introduce theoretical and practical aspects of UAS technology into
higher education.
KJA Recommendation 4 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
• To encourage the Indian industry in the manufacture, marketing, and sale
of various models of UAS.
• To make Karnataka as one of the leading UAS Testing hubs in the world
and in this region. Government may setup and establish a National UAS
Test Range where UAS testing, calibration and verification/certification
could get conducted in a standardised manner.
• To make available ready-to-employ human resource pool for the industry.
• To strengthen R&D infrastructure for achieving innovative and cutting-
edge technologies.
• To create enhanced facilitation mechanism for ease of doing business
through industry friendly policy frame work.
• To put in place Rules and Regulations for safe and orderly use of various
UAS Vehicles in the state (Indian) air space.
• To implement the Rules and Regulations, including public liability
insurance, and achieve compliance through existing or new structure(s)
of Authority.
17. As UAS is a new area, systematic Pilot Projects must be taken up to establish
technical aspects, application procedures, industrial capability, research
thrust, education focus and a larger capability building in UAS area.
UAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
18. Considering the present state of UAS technology development in foreseeable
future, it is recommended that all technical education and higher education
courses in Karnataka should offer courses related to UAS. Universities and
institutions must be supported to establish a basic UAS lab that allows design,
manufacturing and testing of UAS – at sub-system and total integrated system
level.
19. KJA has suggested curriculum for UAS education in university – the same can
be suitably adapted by the Universities.
20. Include UAS courses in higher education in Karnataka and encourage state
Universities to include UAS courses in higher education. A concerted effort to
design the curriculum details, examination etc can be taken up by Karnataka
State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).
21. Universities could design customized and specialized short-term training
programmes on UAS – which Government of Karnataka could avail for its
officers and experts. Such training programmes can also be made available
by Universities to industry and other state/central governments.
KJA Recommendation 5 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
22. Provide a one-time financial grant in Universities/Institutions for establishing a
UAS Lab. Universities that offer UAS courses and those that have Faculty
oriented for UAS courses could be selected. The coordination for this funding
and establishment guidelines can be addressed by KSHEC.
23. Establish a UAS Research Fund that can provide annual research project
grants in UAS field to state Universities/institutions. The research areas, selection
of proposals, guidance and mentoring etc can be coordinated by specific
expert committee under KSHEC.
24. Support state Universities/Institutions to recruit internationally recognized
global experts as faculty (or by establishment of a chair position)
25. Create a GOK-NAL-Universities UAS Consortium for developing advanced
research and technology development in UAS. This Consortium could make
best use of institutions like NAL, ISRO, DRDO, HAL for defining programmes and
education courses.
26. Institute a UAS Design and Manufacturing Challenge Fund and invite
University-industry partnership to avail funds/grants for meritorious proposals for
designing and manufacturing UAS. The industry association with each
University will ensure industry interface and also enable industry to benefit from
University design efforts.
UAS PILOT PROJECTS
27. KJA proposes that a systematic and comprehensive UAS Pilot Project be taken
up in Karnataka with twin-objectives – one, to establish the design and
manufacturing capabilities in the Karnataka industry eco-system so that
Karnataka can emerge as a hub for UAS indigenous manufacturing AND,
second to demonstrate and establish Standard Operating Systems (SOP) for
UAS Applications in Governance in Karnataka.
PILOT-1: SYSTEMATIC DEMONSTRATION OF UAS APPLICATION IN
GOVERNANCE
28. The main objective of the Pilot-1 is to DEMONSTRATE AND ESTABLISH END-TO-
END PRACTICES AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR USING UAS IN
GOVERNANCE. The Pilot-1 would bring out the use and application of UAS in a
systematic manner; show how UAS can produce autonomous, precise, cost-
effective, up-to-date information AND model the information from UAS in a
“specific processing” to generate the GOVERNANCE INFORMATION. Based on
KJA Recommendation 6 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
the wide discussions within KJA and with the departments, 3 major application
areas have been identified:
• Autonomous Property Tax Estimation in Urban Areas AND Rapid preparation
of Base Maps for City Planning – defined by Urban Development
Department (UDD)
• Autonomous field-by-field Crop Area estimation in a panchayat – defined
by Agriculture Department
• Real-time Monitoring of Civic activities – traffic, events, markets etc from a
security monitoring perspective – defined by Police Department.
In addition, a 4th element of the Pilot-1 would be to undertake a systematic
System Definition Study for parametrizing the UAS – this is important for
preparing SOP guidelines for UAS Applications.
29. For implementing the UAS Pilot, Department of Science and Technology of
GOK could be identified as PMU for this UAS Pilot project; S&T Dept. could
establish an expert Committee, Chaired by an eminent expert in this field to
technically guide, steer and oversee the implementation and outcomes of the
project and work with identified GOK anchor agencies.
30. For actual implementation, one possible option could be that a suitable
academic/research institution – like IISc, NIAS, IIIT-B, VTU etc . could be selected
for the Pilot Project implementation. Discussion can be held with these
institutions and one of them can take the lead role to implement the pilot.
31. It is expected that a total of about INR 5-5.5 crores would be required for the 3
pilot demonstration exercises – including establishing common UAS Lab that
can serve all 3 demonstrations.
32. A schedule of about 12-18 months would be required for completing the pilot
in a systematic manner with all data collection and analysis, comparative
evaluation, documentation, SOP etc.
PILOT-2: DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF UAS
33. KJA is of the view that Karnataka has all the characters for UAS manufacturing
and for establishing an industrial base in UAS technology. With such a vibrant
eco-system that can establish a base for UAS design and manufacturing, there
needs to be a government thrust to create a manufacturing-trigger that can
bring about an impetus and drive for UAS design and manufacturing in
Karnataka.
KJA Recommendation 7 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
34. KJA proposes a Challenge Pilot Project for the academic and industrial eco-
system to undertake indigenous design and development of UAS and,
thereby, create an eco-system for having a UAS manufacturing hub in
Karnataka. KJA PROPOSES A PILOT PROJECT FOR DESIGN AND
MANUFACTURING OF UAS – involving academic and industrial institutions in
partnerships.
35. GOK could establish a “UAS Design and Manufacturing Challenge Fund” that
can fund selected academia-industry collaborations for the pilot. The Pilot
should be driven by academic institutes BUT mandatorily having a
manufacturing industry partner involved.
36. Academia, in public and private sector, must drive this initiative as they can
bring in the research and student participation that will benefit in creating a
“cadre” of trained experts in this area. Academia must partner with industries
for undertaking Pilot – so that down-stream objective of addressing industrial
manufacturing is achieved. Thus, academia+industry combination will bring a
new way of thrust n the education, research and industry sector of UAS. Such
a model for technological capability building would be unique and innovative
– hitherto not attempted in a large manner in India – Karnataka can take a
lead.
37. The Challenge Fund for the pilot could be provided by GOK as a one-time
grant. An amount of INR 25 crores should be adequate for the Challenge Fund
– which can fund 3-4 proposals in parallel. Any academia+industries proposal
to be funded could be limited to INR 5 crores – basically to the academia
institutions.
38. Within GOK, the S&T Department, in collaboration with HED Department and
Industries Department, could “anchor” the Pilot Project. Administering the
Challenge Fund could be at recommendation/clearance of the Expert
Committee - involving NAL, HAL, ISRO, DRDO, DGCA etc.
39. The Pilot will deliver unique results:
• UAS manufacturing eco-system; thrust indigenous UAS usage in the
country
• As an incentive and risk mitigation for the indigenous manufacturing
industry, it would be appropriate for GOK to adopt preferential selection
of indigenously manufactured UAS under the GOK challenge fund for
sourcing UAS services and procurements within GOK – provided the
technical merits are achieved.
KJA Recommendation 8 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
40. The Pilot Project must get completed in 18 - 24 months – thus, processes need
to be established to solicit, select and implement the proposal within this
period.
RECOMMENDATIONS – STATE LEVEL COORDINATION AND
MONITORING
41. The development of the UAS eco-system requires a foundation of a
governance structure which must be holistic – covering technology
application and policy and overall coordination and driven by the
Government under expert advice.
42. It is essential to have a high-level expert body to steer and guide the overall
development of UAS including its use in governance. GOK may establish such
a High Level Committee for UAS in Governance Chaired by Chief-Secretary
and involving all departments, industries, experts and academia.
43. The S&T department could establish a UAS Applications Pilot Project Expert
Committee, Chaired by an eminent expert in this field to technically guide,
steer and oversee the implementation and outcomes of the UAS Applications
Pilot project.
44. An UAS Manufacturing Apex Experts Committee could be established by GOK
to manage the UAS Design and Manufacturing Challenge Fund and drive the
Pilot Project – selecting, guiding/mentoring, monitoring, certifying etc at
various stages. Agencies like NAL, HAL, ISRO, DRDO, DGCA etc could be
involved in this experts Committee, apart from state representatives.
45. The Government could also consider promoting a not-for profit UAS
Association as a societal and community body that brings all stake holders and
users on one platform for undertaking public awareness programmes, student
integration program and citizen completion for spreading the knowledge and
information about UAS.
46. GOK may initiate an annual meet of UAS industry academia and Govt – just
as it has taken up for IT, BT, Nano etc. Bangalore could host an International
Summit on UAS on a regular basis, starting from 2018, A brand for
“Karnataka.UAS” (like Bangalore.biz, Bangalore.Bio etc) be developed.
--------------------------------------------X--------------------------------------------
KJA Recommendation 9 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
1. INTRODUCTION
Karnataka is in fore-front of aerospace technology development and utilization of
integrated ICT solutions – within government, private /public sector and academia.
The technology of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is rapidly emerging as an important
element of the aerospace segment - while world-over, the UAS technology and
applications have been on a rise, it is still at nascent level in India.
UAS are small-self-propelling flight systems characterized by flight-range, flight altitude,
weight, payloads they carry and other performance capabilities. UAS are available in
various configurations such as copters, fixed wing, multi-rotor systems etc and range
from few kgs in weight with limited endurance to sophisticated systems at few
hundreds of kgs and wide endurance. Based on the application requirements suitable
payload – cameras, sensors, delivery packages etc are integrated with the UAS.
UAS is bringing a new paradigm to society - by bringing a simplistic “piloting
experience” to common people of society AND at the same time emerging as a
sophisticated, but easy to operate at local-levels, technology for image/data
collection that can help real-time monitoring of crops, forests, water-bodies, urban
growth etc, for civic monitoring, for disaster management support and many other
governance needs. UAS is also making “waves” in bringing innovative industrial and
consumer applications - logistics delivery, engineering construction, internet
connectivity and many others. UAS is also an excellent tool for higher education and
bring concepts of aerospace principles integrated with machining, manufacturing,
avionics, instrumentation, data software etc – thus, University education and research
can get a boost. UAS are used in the defense and security sector by many nations –
including India. But most of these are sophisticated drones which are sourced from
other nations. Many global market studies have predicted a significant commercial
growth for UAS – thus, commercial potential of UAS can be well developed in the state
for designing, production and offering services of UAS to society.
In the Indian context, there are yet challenges to bridge – on one side the potentials
are extremely large and it is essential to develop Indian capabilities in UAS AND on
other side policy/regulations need to be well-defined, technology standardisation is
yet to emerge. National Aeronautical Laboratories (NAL) has been having a National
Programme for Micro and Nano Remotely-operated Aerial systems and substantial
technologies have been developed by NAL. At the same time, UAS are proliferating
all across the market and are procured easily in e-marketplace and also from other
nations. Such commercial UAS commodities – either copters or fixed-wing systems are
small UAS that have imaging capabilities using different cameras. These systems are
being offered by many start-ups for services and are available in Indian market-place.
Thus, there is a huge interest, awareness and spurt of activities related to UAS among
KJA Recommendation 10 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
R&D institutions, Govt agencies, academia, industries with growing demand for usage
in civilian and defense sectors.
KJA feels that UAS will be a major element of aero-space sector – though at lower-
levels of engineering and wide usage. There is a security concern that UAS can be
“misused” for anti-national activities by “delivery” of payloads that can be destructive
– at the same time there is a concern for need for flight regulations in airspace and
operations so that UAS can be tracked and monitored. In the absence of any
standards and reference of UAS systems applications – the market would get flooded
by systems that may not be suited for Indian operational conditions and may also be
serviced with deficiencies and un-met expectations of users. At the same time, the
security aspects of such proliferation also make UAS policies most essential –
necessitating the need for specifying standards for UAS, flight operation procedures
and regulating UAS traffic in some way – all of these are essential to define for
operational aspects of UAS.
In a nut-shell, there are 3 major imperatives of UAS – how can Karnataka become a
manufacturing hub for large demand of UAS (global and domestic) in future; what
are the applications to which UAS can be used to – especially can some level of
standards definition happen; third, how UAS can be part of education system –
especially as it embodies multi-disciplinary character of technological learning. If all
these aspects of UAS are all well addressed and articulated in a comprehensive study,
then KJA feels that India would leap-frog and establish an effective national eco-
system for UAS.
KJA, in its 4th meeting held on 4th July 2015, decided to constitute an expert Study
Group for Unmanned Aerial Systems (SG-UAS) with three-fold aim - one, bring out a
comprehensive report on UAS Technology, Applications and Policies as a strategy
plan where Karnataka can lead; two, undertake specific demonstrative application
projects in the state, involving departments of Karnataka Government, where
examples of UAS value gets demonstrated for manufacturing and for end-to-end
governance and for Karnataka-GIS AND three, UAS research and technology can get
embedded into the higher education system of the state. The KJA Office Order
constituting the KJA SG-UAS – with its terms and other details is given in ANNEXURE – I.
The KJA SG-UAS has met 7 times and has detailed discussions on various aspects of
UAS; the SG has also conducted a consultation Workshop in October, 2016 at National
Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) – where experts from Government, industries and
academia debated and discussed on the technology scenario of UAS, the
application potentials of UAS and also the policy requirements (UAS Workshop Report
accessible at
http://www.karnataka.gov.in/jnanaayoga/Other%20Reports/Final%20UAS%20
Workshop%20Report.pdf).
KJA Recommendation 11 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
A second consultation workshop was conducted by KJA in Jain University during
March 22-23, 2017 to address Emerging Technologies and Applications of UAS (UAS
Workshop Report accessible at
http://www.karnataka.gov.in/jnanaayoga/Other%20Reports/UAV%20Conference%2
0March%202017%20report.pdf.
The workshop was attended by experts from Government, Industries and Academia
who debated the various technologies associated with UAS and also the broad design
of undertaking a systematic pilot project in Karnataka.
This is the report of the SG-UAS – which has been considered by the KJA in its 7th
meeting on September 7th 2017 and has been endorsed and approved. This
recommendation is submitted to Government of Karnataka (GOK) for further
implementation actions.
1.1 IMPORTANCE AND RELEVANCE OF UAS
UAS have many civilian applications due to the ease of operation, relatively easy data
collection, local operations flexibility etc. Presently, in India UAS imaging is supposedly
undertaken for military purposes and there are very limited operational civilian
applications or use of UAS based data collection.
As per KJA, UAS will bring a paradigm shift in society because UAS will provide a
simplistic/low-cost “piloting experience” to young people and at the same time
emerging as a sophisticated technology for data/monitoring/conveyance
applications.
KJA visualizes that flying enthusiasts and hobbyists will be the major growth for UAS as
with low-cost UAS every youngster will want to avail a piloting experience. The curiosity
and “thrill value” of UAS will be a tremendous factor and society will easily afford the
low-costs – thereby a huge demand will be from UAS hobby-flying and enthusiasts. This
sector must not be ignored as willy-nilly growth and proliferation in this sector will be a
major aspect to bring relevance of UAS in society.
Of very recent, there have been one-off experiments by aviation-enthusiasts to use
UAS for “pizza-delivery” in Mumbai and also for “crowd management” applications in
some domestic policing experiments – though these are all in very, very early stages.
Similarly, UAS has also been tested and used for delivery of medical-payloads from
one part of city to another – beating traffic and other impediments. Low-flying drones
are also used for filming, news gathering and so on, but the cases are very limited.
Thus, another important area of UAS relevance will be the logistics sector, medical
sector, news gathering systems and also commercial event-imaging (of weddings,
gatherings, sports events etc). This will be another growth area for UAS.
KJA Recommendation 12 | P a g e
KJA Recommendation
UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
The realistic importance and relevance of UAS will be the impact on governance – by
truly “democratizing” very efficient methods of local-area data collection – be they
images, land data, air data or from any advanced payloads. The sheer possibility of
being able to collect data of local areas (say, a panchayat or a city or a forest range
or a water-body) “at will” – meaning whenever the data is required (any day or any
time of day) makes UAS a very important forthcoming tool that can aid and better
GOVERNANCE. As UAS data collection systems can be autonomous and are “at will”
they can easily serve as systems of independent verification, monitoring of the
prevailing systems of governance – in an autonomous manner. For example:
• In present system crop data collection happens at each village by a Village
Worker who collects crop data for each field and is then tabulated and
transmitted/aggregated “upwards” to determine crop data in a state. Against
this, UAS can be used at pre-defined times to collect crop data in panchayats
and crop data estimated as an independent autonomous system – thereby
removing human errors and possibility of manual manipulation. Thus, UAS can be
a very formidable tool with each panchayat for crop/water/soil mapping and
monitoring and producing scientific evidential data of each panchayat. For
crop insurance, crop subsidy applications and also for irrigation management,
UAS can be an important method to collect data and also to create a time-
bound record.
• In a city, property tax is collected by self-assessment – the only way to verify the
“self-assessment” and detect under-taxation is by physically visiting each
property – again involving manual interventions and errors/manipulations. As
against this, UAS imaging can provide automated predicted property tax maps
– based on area/height determination – these can be used for verifying with
“self-assessment”. UAS has tremendous relevance for each city local-body to
operate “at will” property tax mapping and also for city-base mapping. With a
major boost for SMART-CITY development, UAS can be an important tool to help
the cities.
• Forests can be easily mapped by UAS (at any time) to see changes in tree-cover,
movement of animals and also for any human activity. UAS could be easily a
part of a Forest Officer’s “kitty” so that forests can be scientifically and logically
monitored.
• Civic operations – crowd management, traffic management etc can easily
benefit from UAS – with live-streaming UAS operations providing far-away
information on large crowds and traffic jams – thus, UAS must be part of police
department usage.
• Large-scale GIS will be a major beneficiary from using UAS based imaging – as it
can provide direct-to-ingest GIS images and data of local areas with high
granularity. Karnataka is implementing state-wide Karnataka-GIS (KGIS) - use of
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
UAS will tremendously complement Karnataka-GIS by being able to generate
local-area high granular GIS for decision-making
• There are many other areas where UAS will have tremendous relevance.
The UAS have sheer unique capability for real-time “at will” monitoring and providing
data from different payloads. Till now, satellite images were recognised as key in this
GIS infrastructure – but are limited by resolution/details and timely un-availability.
Similarly, aerial technology provides the required resolution/detail BUT have serious
logistical and operational limitations for “at will use”. Thus, these technology – though
extremely critical, do have limitations to meet the criterion of images at “user-will” –
which is an important element of GOVERNANCE – any local-manager or governance
officer needs data “at his will” for decision-making and if this cannot be met by existing
satellite/aerial systems, then this need is un-met and governance does not avail the
opportunity of using scientific and evidential data/images.
It is in this scenario that the newer technology of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
becomes important and promising – the key advantage being that they can be easily
operated and image/data can be collected “at user will” or “when they are most
essential” – thus, filling the most prevailing gap that exists today. With their very low-
flying heights of <100-500m, utmost control of coverage, any-time data collection and
instant image analytics capability, UAS can play a very important role in the Indian
market-place with offerings of local-area, real-time, quick images and data collection
“at user-will” – the concept of “user-will” becomes important as users do have very
demanding specifications of what images they want and when.
The main advantage of UAS is that they are ready-to-use, versatile and can be flown
at short notice with variety of sensors - cameras, night cameras, infrared cameras,
multispectral cameras, LiDAR sensors, pollution measuring instruments, geo physical
instrumentation, agricultural spraying payloads and a number of other
sensors/payloads. In past few years, key improvements in UAS technology – in terms of
miniaturization, automation and integration with precision GPS and image analytics
have triggered a large number of civilian usage of UAS become real. Yet another
advantage that UAS have is the ease and real-time nature - today’s UAS imaging of
a 1sq km area imaging at ~100-150m height with a 60% overlap can result in ~400-500
images in just about half an hour – this can be a great advantage too. The cost of UAS
is supposedly to be low. All these aspects can make UAS a potent civilian tool and
provide capability of imaging “at will”.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
The Table 1.1 given below illustrates the advantages of UAS against other mode of
data collection and imaging.
Table 1.1- Advantages of UAS against other modes of Data Collection
NO PARAMETER GROUND
SURVEYS AERIAL SURVEYS SATELLITE IMAGES UAS APPLICATIONS
1 TECHNOLOGY MATURE –
OPERATIONAL
MATURE – LESS
IN INDIA
MATURE –
OPERATIONAL
TO BE TESTED AND
PROVEN
2 SENSORS TS; GPS – CM
LEVEL
PAN AND XS
CAMERAS;
LIDAR
PAN AND XS
CAMERAS
PAN AND XS
CAMERAS; LIDAR;
VIDEO; NV
CAMERAS; AGRI
3 GRANULARITY
(RESOLUTION) FEW CMS 10-20 CMS
~1M (INDIAN)
~0.5M (US) ~10 CM
4 GRANULARITY
(ELEVATION) FEW CMS 10-20 CMS
4-5 M (INDIAN)
2-3M (US) ~FEW TO 10 CMS
5 COVERAGE AT
A TIME ~50-60 SQ KMS
~200-300 SQ
KMS ~50+ SQ KMS
AT-WILL; FEW-25 SQ
KMS
6 TIMELINESS AT-WILL 2-3 MONTHS TA 1-2 MONTHS TA AT-WILL
7 MOBILISE
EFFORT MODERATE HIGH LOW AT-WILL LEAST
8 SURVEY
EFFORT VERY-HIGH HIGH MODERATE LESS
9 REPEATBILITY DIFFICULT (5
YRS)
DIFFICULT (1-2
YRS) EASY (6 MTHS) WHEN REQUIRED
10 WEATHER
IMPEDE SOME EXTENT HIGH HIGH AT-WILL LESS
11 POLICY FOR
GOVT. AT STATE LEVEL
DGCA/DEFENCE
(2-3 MTHS
EASILY)
NRSC – DIRECT DGCA/DEFENCE (1-2
MTHS)
12 BASE
MAPPING
YES (1:500
SCALE) YES (1:2KSCALE)
YES (1:8-10000
SCALE)
YES (1:500-2000
SCALE)
13 MONITORING NO MAYBE (YEARLY) YES (6 MTHS) WHEN REQUIRED
14 FEATURES
POSSIBLE
FIELD-LEVEL
AND FARMER-
LEVEL CROP
STATISTICS
BUILDINGS,
ROADS,
TOPOGRAPHY,
ELEVATION
CROP TYPES,
FIELDS/
CADASTRES, +
LANDUSE
BUILDINGS,
ROADS,
TOPOGRAPHY,
ELEVATION
+ LANDUSE
CROPPED AREA,
CROP
STRESS/DROUGHT
ONSET
BUILDINGS,
ROADS,
TOPOGRAPHY,
ELEVATION +
LANDUSE
CROP TYPES,
INDIVIDUAL FIELDS/
CADASTRES, CROP
CONDITION, +
BUILDINGS, ROADS,
TOPOGRAPHY,
ELEVATION
+ LANDUSE +
POLLUTION
15 COST HIGH HIGH MODERATE MODERATE-LOW
Thus, it is important to empower GOVERNANCE with usage of UAS and enabling a
system for UAS data collection at local-level in different sectors. This will be a major
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
boost to governance in way of providing scientific, rational and un-disputed evidential
data/image of crops, water, city properties, forests, traffic, crowds etc.
1.2 IMPORTANCE OF UAS MANUFACTURING
Numerous forecasts project global UAS markets will experience strong growth during
the next 10-15 years. The Teal Group’s forecast (World Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Systems: Market Profile and Forecast, 2012 Edition; Aviation Week and Space
Technology, Dec 2012 edition) of UAS demand shows worldwide annual spending on
research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) and procurement rising from
$6.6 billion in 2013 to $11.4 billion in 2022. Total worldwide spending for the period is
forecast to amount to $89.1 billion. Various market-analysts point out that China,
Japan and Europe will have significant UAS development programs. A good scenario
of UAS manufacturing trends can be found in a CRS report - Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (UAS): Manufacturing Trends of January 30, 2013
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/R42938.pdf.
UAS technologies are a source of important spin-off to aero-space sector and a key
element of the future growth of aeronautics sector. Indian aero-space and
aeronautics industry is still lagging behind and must quickly catch up to be able to
compete on this global emerging market.
India needs to grow its capability to design and manufacture UAS – especially to meet
its domestics demand and also to play a major role in global markets. With the
technological advancement that is happening in a seamless and inter-connected
world, it is only imperative that India take advanced and pragmatic steps to “on
match” with UAS technology and be “no less than anybody else” in this important
field. It is right time for India to enter into this emerging technology arena and build its
capabilities technologically for becoming a manufacturing hub.
It is important that Karnataka takes lead in making rightful and progressive policies
and enabling rules and guidelines to address this just-entering and very important
technology into modern society. The broad contours of the policy need to be for
boosting and encouraging the UAS manufacturing in India; policy for bringing
regulated but rapid growth of UAS technology and Applications for benefit of society
AND, more importantly, developing advanced technology for security “need to
know” of UAS operations that would be able to track and monitor UAS. Karnataka
must take lead to incorporate a special UAS manufacturing capability to focus on
design and manufacturing of UAS for national and global markets and testing and
Certification of UAS for different uses.
--------------------------------------------X--------------------------------------------
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
2. TECHNOLOGY ELEMENTS OF UAS
UAS are controlled-flight systems without a human crew on board and can be
remotely controlled or can fly autonomously. The advantages of UAS are as follows:
• Does not contain, or need, a qualified pilot on board
• Can enter environments that are dangerous to human life
• Reduces the exposure risk of the aircraft operator
• Can stay in the air for up to 30 hours or more depending on the configuration of
the craft, performing a precise, repetitive raster scan of a region, day-after-day,
night-after-night in complete darkness, or, in fog, under computer control:
• Performing a geological survey
• Performing visual or thermal imaging of a region
• cell phone, radio, or, TV coverage over any terrain
• Can be programmed to complete the mission autonomously even when
contact with its GCS is lost.
• Can provide fully automated operations for repetitive, iterative operations.
• Is technically “dispensable” therefore can be used for operations that may not
allow recovery or are not feasible for recovery.
• Saves lives during disaster mitigation and security threat.
• Depending on the configuration and category the cost of the vehicle is low.
• Low risk involved for operation and maintenance.
• Flexible operational hours.
• Capable of carrying multiple types of payloads, multi-profile, multi-modal.
• Spying possible due to miniaturization.
• Easy for deployment.
2.1 BROAD SUB-SYSTEMS OF UAS
The principal sub-systems which make UAS truly versatile are - Airframe, Control
Algorithms, On-board Electronics, Propulsion & Power Systems, Payloads AND software
systems for guidance and control, flight planning, object detection etc. Few of the
key subsystems and associated technologies are listed below:
• AERODYNAMICS: Low Reynolds Number, Gust alleviation designs, Active Flow
Control, High fidelity computation
• STRUCTURES & MATERIALS: Airframe, Aero-Elasticity, Composite Materials,
Foldable Wing, Morphing Wing, Fail-Safe design, Water Resistant Materials
• FLIGHT MECHANICS & CONTROL HARDWARE: Transitioning and Tilt Wing, Autopilot,
Mathematical Models for Simulation
• NAVIGATION, GUIDANCE & CONTROL: Autopilot, Global Positioning System (GPS),
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Waypoint Navigation, Tracking
System, Obstacle Avoidance, Laser Based Collision Avoidance, Swarm Control,
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
Multi-Target Tracking, Voice Based Control, Cellular Based Communication,
Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electrooculography (EOG) Control
• COMMUNICATION: Vision Based Guidance, Telemetry, RF Communication,
Network with Other Systems / Tethering
• ANTENNA TECHNOLOGY: Multiband antenna (L, S and C bands) for mini UAS are
available commercially though not from indigenous sources. The commercial
ones weighing less than 100 gms in the range of from 1 to 6 GHz provide a gain
of 3 to 5 dBi and a max power of 10 watt.
• PROPULSION & POWER: Electric battery, IC engine, Mini Gas Turbine, Pulse jet,
Solar, Micro thrusters, Energy harvest, Fuel cell, Noise free engine system
• FLIGHT VEHICLES & SYSTEM: Transitioning System, Tilt Rotor, Ground Control
System, Gimbal System, Avionics, Cyborgs, Bio-Inspired Mechanisms
• DEVICES &PAYLOADS: Camera (Thermal, Hyperspectral, SAR, IR), Electronics,
Chemical and Bio Sensors, Mechanical Systems, Lasers, Acoustics, Day / Night
Vision, Electronic Eve Dropping
• GIMBAL CONTROL: Gimbal mechanism and controls are being developed in the
country for the small UAS of more than 2 kg all up weight
• SOFTWARE & SIMULATION: Image Processing, Mapping, CFD, GIS, Finite Element
Analysis, Photogrammetry, Bio-simulation
• SUPPORT FACILITIES: Special Purpose wind tunnel, Dynamic Thrust measurement
system, Antenna testing and simulation, Mobile Flight Test Center, Centre For
Unmanned Aerial Systems, Simulators, Training Centres, HILS, MRO.
2.2 TYPES OF UAS
UAS come in a variety of sizes ranging from insect sized vehicles right upto Medium
Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) used in the
military which are as big as passenger aircraft. UAS can be broadly classified as Very
Small (Micro or Nano, Mini), Small, Medium and Large based on the Range, Altitude,
Weight, Payloads and other Performance Capabilities. The categorization based on
size is given in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 – UAS Categories based on Size
Category Size
Very Small UAS < 50 cm
Small UAS 50 cm to 2 m
Medium UAS 2m to 10 m
Large UAS > 10 m
UAS are also characterized based on various configurations:
• Ornithopters
• Fixed Wing
• Helicopter
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Multi-rotor systems
These systems have endurance ranging from a few minutes to few hours depending
on the size of the vehicle, payload carrying capability and power source.
Among different types of UAS, small UAS (tactical, miniature, and micro UAS) are
gaining top interest and popularity due to their increased mission capabilities in
diverse areas in civilian applications. This is largely possible because of the rapid pace
of developments in embedded technology, MEMS sensors and communication
technologies. Small UAS are a powerful tool for scientific research due to attractive
features such as low cost, high maneuverability and easy maintenance. Significant
progresses in various research areas (e.g., dynamics modeling, flight control,
guidance, and navigation) have been made and could bring further autonomous
operations of UAS. Small UAS can be implemented in a myriad of civil applications.
Typical cases include emergency monitoring, victim search and rescue, aerial filming,
geological survey, weather forecast, pollution assessment, fire detection, radiation
monitoring, perimeter survey and agricultural crop health monitoring.
2.3 TECHNOLOGICAL COMPARISON OF UAS
A comparison between an average fixed wing, top end fixed wing and rotary wing
vehicle for typical hardware, software, operation and performance requirements are
given in Table 2.2.
Table 2.2 - Technological Comparison of UAS
Category Item AVG TOP-END ROTOR
HARDWARE
Type fixed wing fixed wing Rotary Wing
Weight <2.5 kg 10-20 kg -
Wingspan 100 cm (39.4 in) 100 cm (39.4
in) -
Wing area 34 dm2 34 dm2 -
Maximum takeoff
mass <5 kg 20-50 kg 5 kg (11lb)
Payload capability 2-5 kg 2.5-10 kg 2.3 kg (5.1lb)
Dimensions
100 x 65 x 10.5
cm
(39.4 x 26 x 4.1
in)
100 x 65 x 10.5
cm
(39.4 x 26 x 4.1
in)
85 x 49 cm
(33.5 x 19.3)
Material
EPP foam;
carbon
structure;
EPP foam;
carbon
structure;
carbon
frame
structure
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
Table 2.2 - Technological Comparison of UAS
Category Item AVG TOP-END ROTOR
composite
elements
composite
elements
Propulsion
electric pusher
propeller;
brushless 700 W
motor
electric
pusher
propeller,
brushless 1400
W motor
electric
pusher
propeller; 6
brushless
motor
Battery 14.8 V, 6000
mAh
14.8 V, 6600
mAh
2 x 6600
mAh 14.8 V
Payload
Video Camera
Colour/XS
Camera with
custom f
Lidar
Colour/XS
Camera with
custom f
Lidar
Night Imager
Poll Sensors
Video
Camera
Colour/XS
with
interchange
able lens
IN-BUILT
SOFTWARE
Mission planning multiple flights multiple flights multiple
flights
Automated pre-
flight checks √ √ √
Auto take
off/flight/landing √ √ √
Auto P/L OPs √ √ √
Automated fail-safe
routines √ √ √
User controlled fail-
safe Ops √ √ √
Automated post-
flight checks √ √
Image Processing
Integration √ √
OPERATION
Endurance1 30-45 min 60 min 20 min
Range1 60 km (37 mi) 60 km (32 mi) -
Cruise speed 80 km/h (50
mph)
85 km/h (53
mph) -
Maximum ceiling2 5000 m (16,404
ft)
5000 m
(16,404 ft)
3000 m
(9,843
ft) AMSL
Pre-flight setup time 5 min 5 min 5 min
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
Table 2.2 - Technological Comparison of UAS
Category Item AVG TOP-END ROTOR
Take off type Vertical/Catapul
t Catapult Vertical
Take off angle Vertical/30 deg 30 deg -
Landing type Vertical/Belly
landing Belly landing Vertical
Landing angle Nadir/14 deg 14 deg -
Landing space (L x
W)
50 x 30 m (164 x
98 ft)
50 x 30 m (164
x 98 ft) -
Weather limit <60 km/h wind &
light rain
<60 km/h
wind & light
rain
Stable in
winds up to
36 km/h
Communication &
control frequency 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz
Communication &
control range
up to 3 km (3.1
mi)
up to 10 km (6
mi)
up to 2 km
(1.2 mi)
ACQUISITION
PERFORMAN
CE
Camera/XS
Resolution (GSD) 2.0mm - 19.5 cm
1.0mm - 25
cm
1.0 mm to
19.5 cm
Height above take
off location (AGL) 75 - 750 m 75 - 750 m 5 - 750 m
Hovering - - Yes
2.4 PAYLOADS FOR UAS
A variety of sensors and instrumentation are available that can go as payload on a
UAS system. These instruments detect light, sound, heat, chemical components,
magnetic variations and imaging for a variety of applications. Some of the important
UAS payloads are,
• Digital optical cameras of High Imaging Capability in mono or stereo mode
• Multi Spectral Sensors taking images in visible NIR regions
• Forward looking Infra-Red and Thermal Cameras
• Intelligent NDVI camera for precision Agriculture
• Hype Spectral Sensors
• Lidar for Elevation Data
• Gas Sniffers
• Bio-Detectors Sensors
• Radiation Sensors
• Air-Quality Sensors for Co, Co2, Methane Etc.
• Agricultural Sprayers and Bird Scarer Payload
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
Based on the application requirements suitable payload combinations - such as
cameras and LiDAR, Air Quality sensors and Gas sniffers etc could be configured for
UAS applications. Each and every technology has its own significance when it comes
to application. Sensors and Payloads are most essential technologies for any type of
applications as it provides the necessary output.
2.5 FUTURE TRENDS AND RESEARCH IN UAS
Some of the current technological trends in UAS include:
• Flappers
• Cyborgs – Disaster Management
• 3D printing UAS
• 3D-AWS (3 Dimensional Advanced Warning System)
Some of the technology gaps that are subject of intense research are:
• Traffic Management concept and systems for UAS
• Security and Legal aspects of UAS
• UAS Detection technologies
• UAS Capturing technologies
• UAS Threat Mitigation systems
• Manufacturing of Miniaturized components for smaller and efficient UAS
• Mass Production and 3d Printing of UAS
2.6 LIMITATIONS OF UAS
While applications for UAS are evolving their limitations come primarily from lack of
development of the enabling technologies such as energy storage, advanced
materials, and miniaturization of sensors:
• UAS has limited abilities because of less endurance, a constraint on account of
limitation of energy storage. Typical endurance for different classes of UAS are
listed in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 – Endurance Limit of UAS
Specs Small Miniature Micro
Size < 10 m < 5 m < 15 cm
GTOW 10-25 kg < 10 kg < 100 g
Speed < 130 m/s < 50 m/s <15 m/s
Altitude ft < 3500 AGL <1200 AGL < 100 AGL
Range < 50 km < 25 km < 10 km
Endurance Up to 48 h Up to 48 h Up to 20 min
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
• UAS can cause Civilian losses and security issues, is attributed to energy storage,
on board computation / navigation capabilities.
• UAS could be counterproductive and destabilizing, lack of regulation and
inability to track the usage of UAS creates an unmanageable situation for
administrative regulatory authorities.
• There is a possibility of misuse and Security threat, in spite of being used for only
civilian applications.
Privacy, Ethical, Legal and Certification issues around application and operations of
UAS are yet to be resolved.
2.7 UAS – CAPABILITY IN INDIA
In India, a number of industries are currently entering this field considering the potential
growth of this technology for diverse applications in the civil and commercial sectors.
Designing, Developing and Manufacturing of these payloads in our Country will
revolutionize the civil UAS industry in India. The present UAS technology is limited
primarily by the Range, Endurance and Payload capacity and each of the potential
application drives additional technologies unique to itself. Indigenous Development
of these technologies in India will create opportunities and it will definitely support
“Make in India” scheme of the Government of India. An assessment of UAS
Technology Readiness Level within India is shown in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 – Technology Readiness Level
S.NO UAS TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY READYNESS
LEVELS (TRLs) (SCALE: 1-10)
1 AIRFRAME (STRUCTURES & MATERIALS) 8
2 CONTROLS / ALGORITHMS 6
3 ONBOARD ELECTRONICS 6
4 PROPULSION & POWER SYSTEMS 3
5 PAYLOADS 3
6 DATA PROCESSING 6
Current status of technology in India that can be readily deployed for manufacturing
UAS is given in Figure 2-1.
KJA Recommendation 24 | P a g e
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
Figure 2-1 UAS Technology Status in India
2.7.1 INDIGENOUS UAS, PAYLOAD AND ASSOCIATED TECHNOLOGIES
The present scenario, with reference to UAS, is that there is no 100 percent indigenous
UAS including the required Payloads, as mentioned earlier. The Power Systems, Drive
systems, Sensors and Camera systems are still imported. Out of the three categories of
systems operational in the Country, the first one (Totally Imported) constitutes about
20 percent, the second one (Assembled with imported Sub-Systems) 80 per cent and
none from the third one (Totally Indigenous)
• A completely imported UAS including payload and control systems
• Systems built with Imported Motors, Battery Power Systems, Critical Electronic
Hardware and Camera Systems
• Completely Indigenous Systems, including Control & Communication Systems
and Payloads
Notwithstanding this limitation in Indigenous technology, several groups in the Country,
both Academic and the small private Industries & Start-Ups, have demonstrated our
capabilities to use UAS for Urban Planning, Agriculture, Mining, Disaster Management
and other societal applications.
2.7.2 STATUS OF UAS MANUFACTURING BASE IN THE COUNTRY
Despite the fact that the UAS have relatively few sub-systems and components such
as Air-Frame, Drive-Motors, Propellers, Battery, Electronic Speed Controllers, Flight
Controller, Transmitter and Receiver, there are no complete systems developed and
manufactured in the Country. Almost 100 percent of the UAS that are deployed for
civilian applications are systems integrated with the imported sub-systems, especially
the propulsion and on-board payloads and sensors. Several Indigenous programs on
a parallel mode, launched and financially assisted by Government agencies, in large
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
and medium scale industries having the right skill sets and experience, is the only route
to achieve self-sufficiency in this strategically important sector, without which the
dream of pressing into service of UAS for governance activities with assured reliability,
will remain a myth for a long time. While this is inescapable, it is also mandatory to
absorb few of the advanced technologies, if our indigenous UAS have to remain
competitive and withstand the pressures of Global market. A few of the technologies
relevant to the main sub-systems are briefly summarized below.
• FRAME: Advanced large sized Unmanned Aerial Systems are constructed of
various materials including aluminum and carbon composites, which make them
lightweight & durable, enable them to withstand outdoor environment and
withstand the impact of rough landings. Major parts of UAS have traditionally
been assembled from components made of molded plastic, but the
development of additive manufacturing or 3-D printing presents the option of
printing UAV parts instead, which will cut the manufacturing cost and time.
• ELECTRONIC DEVICES: A number of the key components in UAS such as Electronic
Sensors, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, and WiFi receivers,
Smartphones and Tablet computers used to control them, are also being
designed for reliability with COTS components, preceded by extensive testing, to
reduce unit costs and enable manufacturers to enter the market without
worrying about the supply of imported components.
• PROPULSION: UAS can be propelled by various types of IC engines and Brushless
DC (BLDC) Motors, the latter being the most preferred ones, drawing energy from
batteries, solar cells, or fuel cells. Indigenization of BLDC motors and battery
power supplies of large energy density are priority areas and critical to successful
UAS application
• PROPELLERS: UAS use a series of horizontal propellers for lift, made of carbon fibre
composites in recent times, their number depending on the design, such as
Quadcopter, Hexacopter, Octocopter or Fixed Wing aircraft. They are frequently
damaged and need to be replaced and treated as critical consumable item for
long UAS application program. They need to be manufactured in several sizes
and shapes in large numbers and their availability often restricts continuous
usage of UAS in the field. The design know-how, which is so vastly available in the
Country, has still not lead to their indigenous manufacture and propellers are still
on the import list.
• ACQUISITION AND OPERATIONAL COST OF UAS: Entry-level hobbyists pay up to
$500 for an imported basic UAS kit that includes the airframe, four rotors,
batteries, chargers, GPS, and spare propellers without any useful payload. These
UAS controlled by a smart-phone or tablets, can fly for up to 10 minutes on a
battery charge at up to 35 kmph, with a range of about 50-65 m. UAS operators
with a higher professional interest pay $750-$2,000 for UAS that can remain
airborne for up to 25 minutes with a range of more than one km. Commercial
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
users may pay $10,000 or more for a UAS that has six rotors, larger propeller
blades, or even a UAS with a fixed wing configuration. They have a battery
capacity that would let them fly for up to an hour. Their control software may
include a database of no-fly zones to ensure that the UAS does not get close to
airports or other prohibited areas.
• Basic UAS systems that are developed indigenously should aim at a
manufacturing cost less than these typical import costs to be competitive.
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3. APPLICATIONS OF UAS– KARNATAKA FOCUS
The potential applications of UAS are in a variety of fields with many ingenious uses
cropping up every day. UAS have moved beyond just being a “flight in the sky” with
applications limited by the type of payloads and sensors that can be carried for
example imaging sensors, gas sensors, bio sensors etc. UAS is a promising technology
to acquire and utilize real-time detailed image/data ‘at will’ which in turn could help
in converting into meaningful information for decisions for government, enterprises,
citizen and state/national needs.
UAS has applications in Agriculture, Forest, Mining, Homeland Security, Archaeology,
Disaster Management, Urban Growth Monitoring, Oil/Energy, Environmental,
Geospatial Data Collection etc. and in many area such as surveillance, mapping,
survey, inspection, property tax assessment. Worldwide, very specific uses of UAS have
been made for crop surveys, inspection of power lines and pipelines, counting
wildlife, delivering medical supplies to otherwise inaccessible regions, detection of
illegal hunting, reconnaissance project operations, environment monitoring, water
body monitoring, border patrol missions, convoy protection, forest fire detection and
monitoring, civic surveillance, coordinating humanitarian aid, plume tracking, land
surveying, fire and large-accident investigation, landslide measurement, illegal landfill
detection, the construction industry, crowd monitoring etc. Private citizens and media
organizations use UAS for recreation, news-gathering, personal land assessment,
event videography etc.
The present UAS Applications are limited only by the Range, Endurance and Payload.
Every potential application demands additional technologies which need to be
integrated with UAS. UAS applications have made great strides and continue to be
leveraged at an exponential rate and a brief categorized summary of these
applications is given below:
• CROP MANAGEMENT: Countryside and Agriculture, Agricultural activities, Crop
dusting, crop damage assessment
• URBAN: Base Mapping of cities, Autonomous tax estimation, city growth
monitoring
• MONITORING: Civil Engineering sites, Canals and Reservoirs, Waterways and
Shipping, Coastline, Windmill/solar power other similar renewable energy
installations, Traffic, Atmospheric and Weather Research, Critical Infrastructure,
Oil and Gas pipeline, Forestry, Fire Detection, Wildlife, Powerline Surveillance,
Fishery Protection, The Countryside, Pollution control and air sampling, Crop
Performance, Litter on beaches and in parks
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• DISASTER MANAGEMENT: Disaster effects Management, Rescue and clear up
effort supervision, Disaster damage assessment, Disaster Response and Relief,
Temporary telecommunications link, emergency response
• COMMUNICATIONS: Telecommunications, Telecom relay and signal coverage
survey
• SURVEY: Oil and gas exploration and production, Mineral exploration,
Geophysical surveys, Tunnel survey
• EMERGENCY TRANSPORTATION: Medical kit, Life Jackets, Food
• MAPPING: Flood, Agriculture, Real Estate, Mining
• SEARCH AND RESCUE: Maritime and Mountain Search and Rescue, Life Raft
Deployment, Rescue point marking
• SECURITY: Security and Control, Border Surveillance, Suspect Tracking, Aerial
Reconnaissance, Aerial Policeman and Crowd Monitoring, Aerial Traffic and
Security Watch
• MEDIA: Aerial Photography, Film casting, Sports Event Coverage, Exhibition Event
Coverage, Amplification, re-transmission of broadcast signals
3.1 UAS APPLICATIONS - GOVERNANCE IN KARNATAKA
Karnataka state must make tremendous use of UAS for Governance. UAS Applications
in the state can also cater to private citizen needs where hobbyists and flying
enthusiasts are encouraged. Younger generation and students would be major
groups that will enjoy UAS flying for education and hobby purposes. It is essential to
have dedicated UAS Hobby Flight Parks which are designated for public UAS flying
operations.
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Figure 3-1 UAS Applications
Some of the critical applications of a UAS envisaged in Indian eco-system would be
for:
• Agriculture, to rapidly map the fields and provide the farming community
informational photos to get a quick snap-shot of the field situation and integrate
into precision agriculture and large area farming. With almost 9 Mha under
agriculture in 5900+ gram panchaytas, there are large number of cooperative
farming areas – horticulture crops, food crops, cash-crops, floriculture etc where
the farming community need timely crop status and health information, along-
with potential production/acreage information, so that maximal returns and
estimates of crop production are precisely determined and utilised. Repeated
UAS imaging and monitoring in “large contiguous crop fields” is extremely useful
to provide image-based crop analytics information. Each panchayat can be
enabled with a UAS and imaging system with automated digital analytics
systems that generate crop information routinely. The crop information can be
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uploaded to a state server of crop analytics and temporal database generated.
Some specific applications could be:
• Crop Mapping and area estimation
• Crop health assessment
• Agricultural spraying of insecticides and fertilisers
• Assessment of stressed and affected crops
• Crop Mapping for crop insurance
• City mapping and taxation estimation – there are 300+ cities in Karnataka. Each
of this city needs constantly monitored data on urban growth, property taxation,
buildings, traffic, 3D visualisation etc and thus real-time image and lidar data
collection using UAS can provide instant and “at will” city maps and ingest-to GIS
applications for vital city management and monitoring. The potential for urban
areas is high and each city could have a UAS system for its local-monitoring and
data collection. Some specifics that can be applied are:
• Property survey, high rise structures mensuration and external inspection
• Determining area, height and FSI of properties for taxation
• Monitoring public assets & cleanliness of public places
• Volumetric assessment of solid waste heaps, road works, canal works
• Videography for city asset maintenance and cleanliness monitoring
• Large area urban landuse mapping
• Lake monitoring and encroachment analysis
• Survey and Mapping, where UAS images are used to prepare every-day detailed
maps of the land/water, for engineering design, for inventory/survey of key assets
of cities/rural areas, infrastructure etc and immediately geo-tag them. Today, as
part of Karnataka GIS the need to survey and map to create the Karnataka GIS
Asset is very high.
• Mine monitoring, where real-time on-demand status of open-mines with
elevation can be obtained to determine volume status and cut/fill estimates with
high precision/accuracy. Presently, Karnataka has around 600 mine leases.
These mines can be potentially monitored using UAS based imaging and data
collection – especially to determine the status of the mines, area and volume
estimation etc. Specific applications could be:
• Mine Area Mapping and monitoring with lease
• Virtual tours, area survey and area violation mapping in mining area
• Quantity estimation of mineral extraction
• Mine slope analysis, cut and fill volume analysis stock pile and inventory
quantification
• Search and rescue operations and for locating/scouting persons/objects using
thermal sensors or night vision cameras. Emergency operations in hilly areas,
riverine areas, forest areas and other emergency incidents would benefit from
UAS imaging technology.
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• Civic Operations - event-specific crowd management and policing operation –
especially in cities where special events of sports/political
gatherings/festivities/celebration etc are undertaken. In every of the 300+
cities/urban area, or atleast in every police district of Bangalore, the UAS video-
and imaging for domestic policing would be potential area of application. Some
specific applications could be:
• Crowd Monitoring at public events
• Security planning
• Sensitive area surveillance,
• Monitoring for suspicious and potentially unsafe activities / situations
• Traffic monitoring
• Forest mensuration and mapping in notified forest/reserved areas and forest fire
monitoring in real-time and assessing damages. Karnataka has almost 28% of its
area under forests and tree-cover. These forest areas are “patches” of
(small/large) geographical areas and are potential for UAS imaging for forest
management data collection, tree-count/mensuration, fire-assessment etc.
Specific Applications could be:
• Forest cover mapping, analysis and monitoring
• Forest fire location identification and monitoring
• Forest Management Plan
• Tree counting in Panchayats
• Disaster management support for real-time imaging and data collection for
rescue operations support and rapid damage assessment. Floods,
Cyclones/Storms, earthquakes, landslides and man-made disasters cause heavy
damage and many times administration struggle to get real-time/instantaneous
images/maps of disaster areas for relief/rescue operations and even for
systematic damage assessment. As a result, disaster recovery and rescue is
mostly hampered and can greatly be augmented using UAS imaging and data
collection. Some specific applications could be:
• Real time video feed from disaster affected area
• GIS Mapping of damaged/disaster affected area
• Identification of chemical leaks/spillage or other dangerous substances
through images
• State Planning Statistics - (Any) Change Analysis/Monitoring which determines
change in development scenario, impact of change of government
programmes, change in public fund usage, changes in urban areas, change in
progress of infrastructure projects, change in environment etc would be
potential areas for time-specific UAS data collection and applications.
• Asset Inventory in Urban Areas – where the need is to count and inventory with
location of various assets – transmission towers, mobile towers, trees, lakes and
water bodies, pools etc. UAS can be used to collect images and do a count of
assets that can be geo-tagged.
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• (Any) 3D visualisation application – cities, important projects, national memorials,
tourism, in-building imaging etc can be best served by UAS imaging and data
collection
• Entertainment and hobby applications for filming for business promotion,
advertising, hobby flying etc – especially in real-estate, tourism etc is also highly
possible. Emergency transportation of human organs between hospitals and
medical supplies in Bangalore using UAS can be successful.
Karnataka must utilize UAS for better governance – by way of localizing UAS data
collection and creating an autonomous and independent system for mapping,
inventory and monitoring various sectoral parameters of governance.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
4. UAS MANUFACTURING – KARNATAKA STRATEGY
With UAS technology rapidly evolving, big investment is bringing more advanced UAS
to the market. UAS has caught the attention of startups that are looking for new
business opportunity in taking it off commercially. Its gathered that industries like Tatas,
IdeaForge, Skylark, Edal Systems, Trimble, and many others have built up commercial
capability in the UAS market place. Thus, in coming years, private investment in UAS
would increase and would develop as an important adjunct to the aero-space sector.
University research in UAV will increase and will be largely funded so that a matured
UAS product would evolve from the multiple departments of the University. Industries
should be made to closely work with Universities to evolve manufacturing and
research intake models so that indigenous development is encouraged.
With a far-sight view of establishing a manufacturing hub for UAS – that can cater to
domestic needs and global market AND at the same time bring in tremendous boost
in aero-space sector, an assessment of the present State of the Art of technologies in
UAS has been made. In a 3-year timeframe, it is envisaged that Karnataka must be on
par with the international technology status of UAS manufacturing and reach TRLs of
6-8 in the following areas:
• High redundancy controls for autonomous operation
• Secured communication with safe operations under communication failure
• Fail safe hardware and software features
• Payload with online post processing software for user requirements.
• Secured data and tagging for data authentication and certification
• Tilt Rotor / Tilt Wing Aircraft / Entomopters
• Image Processing and Optic Flow
• Swarm and Cooperative Flying
• Obstacle Avoidance and Total Autonomy
• Hyper-Spectral / Infrared / Thermal Camera
• Aerodynamics of Low Reynolds Number Flexible Flapping Wings
• Mutual Interference of Multiple Propellers (Coaxial And Distributed)
• Reusable Vehicles, Range Extension and Low Cost Production
• Vehicles with 75 kg Payload Capacity
• Application based Special Sensors and electronically controlled insects (Cyborgs)
Many Indian organizations – NAL, Hal, DRDO, few industries have made great strides
in developing manual and autonomous fixed wing and multi-copter aerial systems
with a limitation of 15-20 minutes of actual operating flight duration. There have also
been few attempts to develop ornithopters for surveillance and transition aircraft for
limited space applications. The present application demand for UAS is, on one hand
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tiny beetles with electronic backpacks and 50 mm flapping vehicles for disaster
management applications and, on the other hand, fixed wing vehicles and
autonomous multi-copters which can carry payloads close to 50-75 kg with
endurance of more than one hour. These are both design and manufacturing
challenges, in addition to great piloting skills.
In addition to raising the TRLs to the international level, there is a need to indigenize all
the critical sub-systems as well as launch major futuristic technology initiatives in order
to keep abreast with the developments elsewhere. The following are the technologies
and products:
• FRAMES/PLATFORM: Multifunctional light weight structures, alternate energy,
efficient power and propulsion systems
• SENSORS: Payloads like Multispectral Imaging, LiDAR and SAR. Advanced
Sensors for collision avoidance and gust handling
• ON BOARD INTELLIGENCE: Sense and avoid, mass storage, high band width and
anti jamming and efficient communication to ground system, EMI and EMC
hardening and all-weather capability
• TECHNOLOGIES TO IDENTIFY, TRACK AND NEUTRALIZE UNIDENTIFIED UAS IN FLIGHT:
Technologies required for identification, tracking and neutralizing unauthorized
UAS could be identified and programs for these activities can be high priority
funding by the Government.
• UAS TEST RANGE: There is a need for having an exclusive National UAS Test-Range
to be set up in Karnataka, so that the developmental and certification tests,
based on the Applications requirements of end-users, can be undertaken
without the hassles of Safety and Administrative limitations influencing the
development and demonstration programs.
There are certain challenges involved during manufacturing stage which need to be
addressed:
• Indigenization of critical components
• Safety and Reliability
• Low Cost manufacturing
• Power Source (Endurance and Range)
• Miniaturization of Sensors
• Ruggedization
Major parts of UAS have traditionally been assembled from components made of
molded plastic, but the development of addictive manufacturing, sometimes called
3-D printing presents the option of printing UAS parts instead. For the past decade, the
manufacturing has been evolved around military vehicles including materials for
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construction, a high performance manufacturing results in good composite
construction, engineering plastics and high quality electronics.
In India UAS manufacturing needs active Government support, pragmatic regulations
(Operations and Testing), emphasis on indigenous design and development (IDDM in
DPP is a good example), integration of UAV training into state level Skill Development
programs.
4.1 SPECIFIC ACTIONS – MANUFACTURING HUB
The recommendations of the SG-UAS with reference to use of UAS for Governance by
the Government of Karnataka are the following:
• Present Technology Readiness Level of UAS in India is adequate to launch limited
UAS programs in the following sectors: Agriculture, Urban, Police, Archaeology,
and Forestry. The State should immediately launch Technology Demonstration
pilot programs involving all user departments of the State Government to assess
the actual End-Use Capability of this technology.
• Encouragement and Support for Indigenous development of payloads and
control system hardware through Research grant-in-aid to start-ups, industries,
R&D Organizations and academia or in consortia mode.
• Establish DGCA approved UAS TEST RANGES at suitable places in Karnataka for
developmental and certification tests in line with international standards.
• Establish maintenance hubs in the state and launch training programs to the
service empaneled service providers (including farmers, police personnel and
Universities).
• Identify all other possible applications in the aforesaid sectors as well as in
additional new areas relevant to governance and launch pilot demonstration
programs.
• Constitute an Empowered Committee to plan, monitor and execute the short
term pilot programs and indigenous development programs.
• Use Government Machinery to launch Skill Development Programs such as UAS
pilot training programs and set up a UAS Technology Centre at the State-run
Visvesvaraya Technological University, Muddenahalli, Bangalore, in association
with all the Stake-Holders to launch and monitor all UAS technology
development programs, which will be the premier and the first initiative in the
Country.
4.2 SPECIFIC ACTIONS – UAS TEST RANGE
A UAS Test Range, which could be a simple open field of a few acres in area, with
specific technical and support facilities to calibrate, test and certify UAS is also
needed to be developed in Karnataka. Such a test site can be a DGCA approved
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Test Range and can be time-leased for any UAS test operations. An Expert Group
could examine the Test Site requirements, location, cost and time and recommend a
plan of action for establishing the range.
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5. POLICY AND REGULATIONS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS
UAS is a widely enabling technology – with the unique inherent capability of bringing
the “joy and business of flying” into individual and society’s hands AND of being an
important technological capability in aviation sector and its use in governance and
society. The use of UAS has increased in civilian domain in India in recent times. This is
because of its potential as an engineering education tool, in hobby cum toy
applications, and in professional services of immense important to society. The
engineering understanding and experience possible with UAS, at much lower costs,
can be the germinator for aviation sector and create a pool of talented professionals,
which can lead to faster development of civilian passenger aircraft systems.
With the technological advancement that is happening in a seamless and inter-
connected world, it is only imperative that India take advanced and pragmatic steps
to “on match” with technology and be “no less than anybody else” in this important
field. It is right time for India to enter into this emerging technology arena and build its
capabilities technologically, applications and commercially to “make and cater to
global UAS business”.
It is important that Karnataka takes lead in making rightful and progressive policies
and enabling rules and guidelines to address this just-entering and very important
technology into modern society – the policy for boosting and encouraging the UAS
manufacturing in India; policy for bringing regulated but rapid growth of UAS
technology and Applications for benefit of society AND, more importantly, strengthen
norms for security “need to know” of UAS operations that would be able to track and
monitor UAS.
5.1 UAS POLICY – GLOBAL SCENARIO
UAS Policies are an important subject matter all over the world. USA, Japan, Europe,
Russia and few other nations currently have a lead in design, manufacture, and sale
of these systems at a highly competitive price. This advantage is mainly due to their
work on defence unmanned aerial systems, and large scale manufacturing. India
faces a danger of its large market being flooded with foreign systems, which will further
entrench the use of sophisticated systems without any technical details and deeper
understanding.
KJA has made an assessment of the UAS policies in various countries - a brief overview
of Policy/ Regulations/ Rules in USA, China, Russia, Europe, Japan, Israel and
regulations adopted in ICAO are given in Table 5.1.
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From the study of the global UAS Policies, it is noted that:
• Many Countries have realised the potential of civilian UAS flights and
applications and are working on operational programmes definition.
• All Countries started rule making / developing Regulations in the last few years
only, and bringing into operation from late 2015 onwards.
• UAS / Drones are generally categorised into four classes based on weights – less
than 250gm, up to 25 kg, up to 150 kg, and above 150 kg.
• Generally, no rules for < 250 gm class, and less restriction for < 25 kg class.
• All Countries require Registration, Remote Pilot Certification, and Permissions in
certain class and certain operational zones.
• Safety of people on ground, and manned Aircraft safety are overriding
considerations.
5.2 ISSUES FOR UAS POLICY
The excessive use of UAS without understanding the technical details, risks, and
potential dangers in a Rule-and-Regulation-free environment is worrisome to many
nations. The main dangers are to the safety of people on ground, and to the aircraft
flying in the air space. The danger of intrusion into privacy of people,(from a different
perspective than in the developed Countries), is real and can cause more law and
order problems.
Karnataka is one of the leading states in aerospace technology and utilization of
integrated ICT solutions – within governments, private/public sector and academia.
Karnataka state is aiming to be a leading hub for aerospace technology
development – both in manufacturing systems and utilization systems.
The demand for UAS in the coming years is expected to be very high considering
present fast growing applications and large imports happening. Hence the design,
development, manufacture, and sale of UAS indigenously has a high potential for
growth of our economy and employment. The engineering and computer software
human resources available in the Country can be gainfully employed in the high-tech
area of UAS, thus leading to positioning ourselves for international competition in this
area.
Karnataka has the right capability to be the hub of such a national UAS eco-system
development and must take lead in this regard. This scenario compels India to put in
place a Policy and Regulation on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) - including small
and tiny Drones
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5.3 KARNATAKA UAS POLICY
(For purposes of the policy, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) refers to all types of
unmanned and remotely piloted vehicles, and their subsystems based on the context.
The popular names like Drones, RPVs, are covered by the name UAS.)
Karnataka has recently announced an Aerospace Policy
(http://www.investkarnataka.co.in/assets/downloads/aerospace-policy.pdf) – UAS
must become a part and parcel of this broader Aviation policy. Karnataka must take
lead to incorporate a special UAS section in Aerospace Policy to focus on:
• Design and manufacturing of UAS for national and global markets
• Testing and Certification of UAS for different uses
• Introduction of UAS in Higher Education
5.3.1. UAS IN KARNATAKA AEROSPACE POLICY
The main aim should be to encourage the indigenous development, manufacturing
and wide applications of UAS in an orderly and socially responsible manner.
The UAS section in Karnataka Aerospace Policy should be:
• To make Karnataka a preferred global destination for manufacturing of UAS
systems & sub-systems, payloads, navigation instruments, components and
software and testing.
• To facilitate the wide use of UAS for various applications for Governance in
different departments and works of Government. This should enable to bring in
standardised UAS Applications into efficient and affordable professional services
for any governance activity and enable local-level procurement of services.
• To create an eco-system comprising infrastructure, education and R&D to make
the State a conducive hot spot for UAS industry; make Karnataka an attractive
geography for global tier-1 suppliers.
• To encourage use of indigenously designed, developed and manufactured
Drones/ Flying model aircrafts/ and larger Unmanned Aerial Systems.
• To introduce theoretical and practical aspects of UAS technology into higher
education.
• To encourage the Indian industry in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of
various models of UAS. Special challenge fund for design and manufacturing to
be earmarked for indigenous manufacturing. As an incentive and risk mitigation
for the indigenous manufacturing industry, it would be appropriate for GOK to
adopt preferential selection of indigenously manufactured UAS under the GOK
challenge fund for sourcing UAS services and procurements within GOK –
provided the technical merits are achieved.
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• To make Karnataka as one of the leading UAS Testing hubs in the world and in
this region. Government may setup and establish a National UAS Test Range
where UAS testing, calibration and verification/certification could get
conducted in a standardised manner.
• To make available ready to-employ human resource pool for the industry.
• To strengthen R&D infrastructure for achieving innovative and cuttingedge
technologies.
• To create enhanced facilitation mechanism for ease of doing business through
industry friendly policy frame work.
• To put in place Rules and Regulations for safe and orderly use of various UAS
Vehicles in the state (Indian) air space.
• To implement the Rules and Regulations, including public liability insurance, and
achieve compliance through existing or new structure(s) of Authority.
The UAS Policy can be taken up in 2 phases:
• Phase-I (2017-22) create a core capability for designing and manufacturing
different UAS and payloads; operationalise manufacturing and testing base for
UAS and payloads; attract foreign direct and domestic investments for these
activities with incentivisation; create a mid-level employment sector for UAS; sub-
element the UAS to contribute to Aerospace sector; Introduce Skill Development
Courses in UAS training
• Phase-II (2022-2025) - attract large scale global manufacturing of UAS and
related investments; create additional employment opportunities (direct and
indirect) by a process of inclusive development and increase the contribution of
UAS sub-sector in Aerospace business and growth
5.3.2. POLICY ACTIONS – UAS IN EDUCATION& RESEARCH
The UAS is an integrated system that allows learning in multi-disciplinary engineering
and technology – involving, aeronautics, mechanics, electrical, communications,
navigation etc disciplines. Thus, UAS can be the “best platform” for students to
practically skill hands-on principles. It is important that to promote and develop high-
quality technology edge in UAS, Government must provide sponsorship to all
Universities in state, both Government and Private, to:
• Introduce UAS Technologies as an optional subject in the under graduate and
post graduate engineering courses.
• Establish a modern UAS Laboratory that will allow design, development, testing
and evaluation of UAS by students and also for undertaking advanced UAS
research in key areas. This activity will require an open testing field for flying trials.
• Fund advanced research in UAS – especially related to manufacturing,
payloads, power systems, navigation and control, accident avoidance,
software for control/accident collision, autonomous tracking etc
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• Obtain a special Developmental Licence/Operation permits by such institutions
after duly complying with Licencing requirements specified for the purpose.
• Participate in and organise national level and international level competitions
and hackathons on UAS technologies and applications to encourage the
student community, and also to identify potential innovative ideas.
• Create “UAS R&D Fund” to provide appropriate funding/incentives to
Universities/R&D Organisations (even partnering with Indian Industry)for front-
ranking and globally competing research and technology development in UAS
design, power and endurance, manufacturing, promote innovation, R&D, IP,
and development of UAS products.
• Make Karnataka to best use national R&D organisations in the state (NAL, HAL,
DRDO etc) to partner in the R&D fund and be “collaborators” for making the
state as most preferred destination for UAS technology. This step will help leading
to practical systems which can be manufactured.
• Ensure the outputs of UAS R&D Fund be mandated to transfer the technologies
and designs to the Indian industry for manufacture. In fact, incubation to be part
and parcel for this activity and associating industry.
• Encourage the Private industry with incentives to design and develop UAS and
related technologies.
5.3.3. POLICY ACTIONS - MANUFACTURE OF UAS
The main use of UAS will grow in large volumes and thus developing an indigenous
industry is an important goal. India cannot afford to always depend upon imported
technology and not meet its own demand for UAS from domestic UAS manufacturing
and services industry.
It will be important to adopt a “preferential treatment” to Indian industry in the UAS
sector for next 10 years – so that the competitive and technological excellence is built
up in a big way. Thus, Indian industry should be given all support to manufacture and
market cost-competitive UAS and services to Indian user community – especially in
Government and public service. Government should provide:
• Attractive fiscal incentives for indigenous manufacturers of UAS to eliminate
disability costs in manufacturing. These incentives should be linked percentage
of indigenous content in the manufactured products, and also to the level of
value addition.
• Facilitation of cost effective loans for setting up (UAS) manufacturing Units.
• National Manufacturing Policy benefits and National Investment and
Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs)to be made available to Indian UAS manufacturers.
• Industry-friendly stable tax regime establishments for the UAS sector.
• Required supply chain to the industry to protect appropriate indigenous
production / import of certain raw materials which are essential for manufacture
of globally competitive systems.
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• Control on all imports of UAS, either in complete form or as knock down kits, , and
record for the sake of maintaining complete inventory of UAS in the country.
5.3.4. POLICY ACTIONS - UAS APPLICATIONS
Government must enable a system and process by which UAS can be widely used in
variety of applications and in different avenues of governance. The wide use of UAS
may range from entertainment/hobby; education and research; localised data
collection from UAS payloads; ingest to autonomous GIS data and monitoring; disaster
management; policing and civic operations etc. – either as commercial or public
services.
Governance must use UAS data collection methods to establish an autonomous and
independent line of monitoring crops, urban areas, forests, mines, archaeological
sites, water bodies, crowd-management, episodic events etc – there would be no
better method than UAS data collection for variety of governance needs:
• Government Departments should be mandated to use UAS Applications in their
work and appropriate fund allocations should be made, both to encourage
efficiency and also to popularise the applications of UAS.
• Encourage local governance bodies – panchayats, city corporations, district
authorities, police agencies etc to widely deploy and use UAS data collection in
their normal governance activities.
• Encourage new and potential applications of UAS encouraged by providing
SOP for UAS Projects – this can best be done by the involvement of Indian
industry.
Because UAS is a new technology Government must initiate Pilot Projects that
established standard Standard Operating Procedures for end-to-end activities in
different application area. The pilots must not only address the application needs but
also assess parametrization of UAS for efficient operations.
Thus, Government must effectively progress all the above uses of UAS with ease,
discipline, responsibility, and accountability. If required, different set of Rules and
Regulations should be formulated for each / group of applications.
5.3.5. UAS SALES, OPERATIONS AND SERVICES
Procuring a UAS should be easy proposition – just like procuring a mobile, an
automobile or a computer with all its procedural and regulatory requirements. Thus:
• Procurement of UAS by either individual (for hobby/entertainment) or
Companies (for commercial operations) or Academia (for education and
research) or state government (for governance) should be easily enabled with
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through Point-of-Sale registration and maintenance of complete on-line data
base of all sales. Aadhar must be made mandatory for sale-purchase
transactions of UAS – thus enabling identity-tracking and checks.
• Government should provide preference to the domestically developed and
manufactured UAS Systems for Government procurements and governance
services.
• All UAS operations and flights should be regulated and allowed on permission-
basis only and subject to appropriate Rules and Regulations
• An Operator Permission should be mandatory and compulsory for flying, and
remote controlling of UAS.
• Pilot Certification must be made compulsory for any individuals involved in such
UAS Operations.
• Government should identify, notify, and operate exclusive flying corridors and/or
Flight Test Ranges to allow test flights and calibration of proto types by
developers, and trial operations of UAS by the Operators, without causing any
problems to the civilian aircraft services, and to enable specific professional
services of UAS.
• Public liability insurance scheme for UAS flight operations has to be introduced
and to be made mandatory for all Operators.
• Setting up of professional training institutes, with appropriate facilities, should be
encouraged / enabled. On-line Pilot Courses and tests should be instituted by
DGCA to enable Pilot Certification.
5.3.6. UAS CONTROL AUTHORITY
The use and operations of UAS will be wide spread in the Country, unlike civilian
manned / passenger aircraft which can take off and land only using well controlled
airports. Hence a well thought out decentralised Control Structure should be defined
for effective and efficient operations – based on well-defined rules and regulations. It
may be appropriate to involve DGCA, police and local district administration in
working out the control structures.
5.4 PROPOSED UAS RULES AND REGULATIONS
After careful consideration, for implementation of the UAS Policy and with an aim to
promote, encourage and widen the use of UAS technology and its applications, KJA
proposes a set of Rules and Regulations that can be adopted for actual registration
and operational administration of UAS flights. These set of Rules and Regulations are
given in Table 5.2.
Government of Karnataka may take up these draft rules and regulations for UAS flights
and operations with DGCA and Ministry of Home in central government and enable
the policy outcome.
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TABLE 5.1
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE POLICIES AND REGULATIONS OF OTHER COUNTRIES
AND ORGANISATIONS
5.1.1 Initiatives of ICAO:
• Issued Circular 328 - “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” in 2011.
• This Circular is first step to provide fundamental international Regulatory
Framework.
• Identified Sections of the present ICAO Regulations which need to be modified
to accommodate UAS traffic.
• Covered Certification of Airworthiness, and Pilot licensing requirements.
ICAO released Document 10019 AN/507 titled “Manual on Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Systems” in 2015 covering technical and regulatory aspects.
5.1.2 JARUS Activities:
• Joint Authority for Rulemaking of Unmanned Systems (JARUS) has 32 members
(30 Member States).
• Joint development of regulatory concepts is the primary objective.
• 7 Working Groups work on different areas.
• WGs provide recommendations for States to use in their own national legislations.
Recommendations on certain aspects already released, and some are in
consultation process among members.
5.1.3 Regulatory Activities in USA:
• US Law of 2012 authorized Secretary of Transportation to integrate UAS
Operations into National Air Space. As per this act, rules to be formulated by Sept
2015.
• Voluntary guidelines by operators are being observed so far – like 8km off from
airports, and staying below 150 m.
• A Task Force was formed in Oct 2015 to recommend on the rules. The Task Force
submitted its proposals.
• Final rules as FAA Part 107 Advisory Circular are issued in June 2016, and effective
from end August 2016.
5.1.4 Highlights of FAA Rule 197 of USA:
• The civilian UAS Operations allowed for non-hobby non-recreational purposes in
the NAS considering potential applications.
• UAV +Attachments +Payload should be less than 25 kg.
• Only Daylight operations, within Visual Line Of Sight, up to a maximum altitude of
400 ft AGL (120 m), and with a maximum ground speed of 160 kmph permitted.
• FAA Airworthiness Certification not required, Remote Pilot must conduct pre-
flight check for every operation.
• Operations in Class G Airspace allowed without ATC Permission.
• Remote Pilot Airman Certification -- after completion of on-line small UAS
course, a knowledge test, vetting by Transportation Security Administration.
Minimum age for RP Certification is 16 yrs.
• No Operations directly over personnel, and under a covered structure.
• Local authorities may enact privacy related laws specific to UAS Flights.
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• All UAS must be registered
• Night flights are prohibited. No carriage of hazardous materials.
5.1.5 Highlights of Policy / Rules of China:
• Civil Aviation Administration of China (caac) issued draft UAS Business Rules as
on 30thDec 2015.
• The UAS are classified into Types as below:
Type Empty Weight (Kg) Take-Off Weight (Kg)
1 0<W≤1.5
2 1.5<W≤4 1.5<W≤7
3 4<W≤15 7<W≤25
4 15<W≤116 25<W≤150
5 Plant protection (agriculture/crop-related) UAS
6 Unmanned airships
7 Type 1 and Type 2 UAS operated beyond visual line of sight outside 100
meters
• No rule for Type I flights.
• “UAS Cloud” a real time dynamic database management system for supervisory,
electronic fence, and alert functions will be implemented.
• Type III and Type IV UAS should transmit data to UAS Cloud regarding position,
altitude, and speed every 1 s/ 30 s.
• The Types which need not be connected to the U Cloud should carry detailed
identification details.
• Flights on restricted zones, prohibited areas, and danger zones are not allowed.
• In case of emergency, the Pilot in Command is granted authority to deviate from
Regulations / UAS Rules.
5.1.6 Highlights of Policy / Rules of Russia:
• Air code of Russian Federation is amended by end June 2016 concerning the
use of Unmanned Aircraft.
• The law came into force in July 2016.
• Flights of UAS of less than 30kg weight are allowed without preliminary
Certification and operational registration.
• All domestically produced or imported UAS between 250 gm and 30 kg
weight have to be registered with Transportation Department.
• UAS above 30 kg will be subjected to Certification under Federal Aviation Rules.
• All registered Drones should bear image of Russian State flag, and device’s
registration number.
• UAS Flight Rules:
- Flight plan is to be created and submitted before each
Drone flight.
- Flights only in day light and in good weather.
- No flights near Airports.
- Should not fly over people or large crowds.
- Flights over military installations, power plants etc. are prohibited.
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5.1.7 Highlights of Policy / Drone Law of Japan:
• Law came into effect in Dec2015, and applies to UAS of weight more than
200gms.
• Operational limitations:
- Daytime flights only.
- Flying during events, and in night time are prohibited.
- Flights within Visual LineOfSight.
- Should not drop any object from UAS.
- Should not carry any hazardous materials.
- Flights allowed up to 150 m altitude.
- Cannot fly within 9 km of any Airport.
• Waiver of “Operational Limitations” allowed for Search and Rescue flights, and
Operations by Public Organisations in case of accidents and Disasters.
• Heavy Penalty in case of violation of Rules.
5.1.8 Highlights of UAS Policy / Rules of ISRAEL:
• Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority Law passed in 2005.
• Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) controls licensing and supervision of
civilian UAV Flights. Draft rules proposed as of end 2015.
• CAAI maintains a separate Unit for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
• All restrictions apply to all devices weighing more than 300gms.
• All UAS should be registered, and every UAV should carry fire resistant license
plates. CAAI maintains a register of all UAS.
• A Communication signal and a code for identification of transponder must be
defined for every UA Flight.
• UA Flights over populated areas can be conducted only at 5000 ft or higher
altitudes.
• Geographical restrictions apply (permitted areas, prohibited / restricted areas,
and dangerous areas).
• Flying over Gaza at any altitude is fully prohibited.
• UAS Flights need licence with specific authorisation for the activity and
equipment involved.
• Maps for UA Flights are provided by CAAI in its web site.
• All “Pilots” need to have licence, issued considering age, subject knowledge,
training, medical certification, and criminal records.
5.1.9 European UAS Policy:
• Directors General of Civil Aviation of EU Member States met in Riga in March
2015 and issued Riga Declaration on integrating UAS Operations into European
airspace.
• Riga Declaration Principles:
1. Drones need to be treated as new type of aircraft with
proportionate rules based on the risk of each operation. Rules
should be simple, and performance based.
2. EU Rules for the safe provision of Drone services need to be
developed now. The essential requirements for the safe drone
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services should be harmonised at global level through efforts of
JARUS and ICAO.
3. Technologies and Standards need to be developed for full
integration of Drones into European airspace.
4. Public acceptance is the key to the growth of Drone services.
(Privacy, data protection, noise, security risks, and safety risks etc.)
5. Operator of the Drone is responsible for its use. (electronic identity
chips on Drones, insurance and third party liability regimes etc.).
6. To allow businesses to provide Drone services everywhere in Europe
from 2016 onwards.
5.1.10 Regulatory Activities in Europe:
• European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will complete consultations by end
2015, and prepare uniform guidelines and present to European Commission.
• 16 Countries of Europe have Rules for UAS Operations, and 11 are developing.
• Proposing three categories of operations -- Open, Specific, and Certified.
• Open Operations - low-risk, low-altitude operations, and Aviation Authorities will
not be involved.
• Specific Category Operations -- National Aviation Authority reviews and
approves the safety case and authorises operations.
• Certified Category Operations -- Higher risk operations with RPAS coexisting with
manned aircraft operations follow the standard aviation process.
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TABLE 5.2
DRAFT (PROPOSED) RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR UAS REGISTRATION AND
OPERATIONS IN INDIA
5.2.1 General permissions and restrictions
• Low altitude air space up to 700ft/1000ft AGL, excluding around airports and
restricted regions, must be designated as Civilian UAS air-space to enable UAS
Operations.
• UAS and their Operations are to be categorised into 3 categories:
1. Low-weight and low-flying UAS – mainly for hobby/entertainment
purposes. This class will be of UAS of less than 2kgs and flying endurance
of ~50-75 feet AGL.
2. Medium weight and moderate flying UAS – mainly for
survey/imaging/data collection/surveillance activities of governance,
educational, and commercial operations. This class will have UAS upto
20 kg weight class and flying upto ~500/700 ft AGL
3. Large weight and high-flight UAS – mainly for advanced surveying and
governance operations and commercial operations. This will have UAS
weights of upto 100 kg and above and flight heights of >700/1000 ft
• Within the low-altitude UAS air-space, the following rules apply to the above
mentioned three categories:
o Up to 50-100ft AGL UAS space, operations of hobby/entertainment UAS
applications are permitted by registration and Universal Identification
Number (UIN).
o Between 150ft-700ft AGL air space, all UAS operations are permitted for
government and commercial and educational/academic purposes,
based on one-time, fixed period Operational Permissions and UIN.
o Operations above 700ft AGL require submission of detailed flight plans
and Operational Permission for each flight.
• The Pilots/Operators are allowed to fly UAS without violating ‘Restricted
Operations’ listed below.
o All UAS flights should be carried out with clear visibility of the Pilot and
within a range of 500 m from the Pilot/Operator.
o Any UAS Vehicle exceeding 20Kgweight will have to go through the
process followed by civilian aircraft for registration, certification, and
operational clearances.
o The person operating any UAS Vehicle remotely will be considered as
“Pilot” for operational clearances.
o UAS Vehicles should not be flown within 5km radius of any operational
airport, unless special Airport flight permissions are obtained.
o UAS Vehicles should not be flown above the people, in sports stadiums,
above large gathering of people, and in Public Government functions,
unless special permissions have been obtained.
o UAS flights would not be allowed in high wind, and severe weather
conditions.
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5.2.2 Registration
• All UAS should be registered at the Point of Sale with DGCA, and obtain Universal
Identification Number (UIN).
• The registration will be free of any charges and an easy on-line process of
registration maybe established by DGCA. Identity and address proofs linked to
Aadhar may be utilised for registration.
• The Operator-specific Unique Identification Number supplied by DGCA, along with
the name of the Operator should be electronically embedded into the broad cast
data of the UAS Vehicles.
• The registration shall be withdrawn and legal actions shall be initiated including
seizure of the violating Vehicles in case of any violation of general permissions and
restrictions on UAS Flights, and violation of bans on the UAS Operations.
• Registration for Built or constructed UAS to be included
5.2.3 Operator Permissions
Operational Permission (OP) for UAS flights will be mandatory and obtained from DGCA
and/or local designated authorities.
OP needs to be governed on following principles – this should be made known to all
UAS registrants:
• OP for hobby/entertainment UAS flights may be given to citizens of India based
on standard ID-checks and UIN registration – for specific periods and in specific
geographies (cities/regions etc). Such Hobby/Entertainment OPs must get
granted in time-bound manner by employing electronic verification and
electronic means.
• OP for government operations must be easily granted based on formal
applications from government agency/department – immediately on
application. In fact, for government a “carte-blanche” local-level (state-level)
decentralisation of OP can be enabled so that quick permissions are granted
based on local authorities needs.
• OP for commercial operations may be granted based on formal applications
from private entities with a responsible/accountable individual filing
applications – for which TOR (UAS UIN verification; pilot certificate check,
Aadhar etc) may be properly defined. Such OPs must get issued/rejected within
pre-defined time of applications – OPs provided for specific time-window and
geographical window.
• A special category permission for Universities/Education Institutions in form of
Educational OPs may be instituted that will allow such Universities/educational
institutions to fly UAS for educational and research purposes – this could be
mainly within-premises or in designated areas.
Specific requirements for OP could include:
• The Operator of UAS Vehicles for professional services shall obtain “Air Worthiness
Certificate” for each Vehicle in the fleet from DGCA. This Certificate will be issued
after considering design, manufacture, and robustness parameters of the Vehicles
specified by DGCA.
• The Operator planning to fly UAS above 700 / 1000 ft altitude shall obtain
“Operational Permission” from DGCA for each Operation by submitting the Vehicle
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details, Pilot details, and Trajectory details. The constraints imposed on flight path
and other control and communications operations are binding on the Operator.
• If any state or central government agency/department seeks operator permission,
it should be easily granted subject to basic provisions being met. This will enable
government agencies/department to easily use UAS for governance purposes.
• All the Educational and Research Organisations involved in the UAS Flights should
be provided with Developmental Licences with the Flights restricted to campus
ranges and/or specially created Flight Corridors / Test Ranges.
• Every Operator must take public liability insurance for the operations of each
Vehicle in the fleet.
5.2.4 Pilot Certifications
• Every Pilot who controls and operates the UAS Vehicle remotely should obtain a Pilot
Certificate from DGCA. For issue of such certificate the following must be fulfilled:
• The person must be above 18 years of age.
• He / She should have obtained training in an authorised Training Institute on
the theoretical and practical aspects of UAS.
• Must have a minimum number of hours of Trial Flights on a similar Vehicle.
• Pilot Certificates are valid for day-light Operations only. Night flights and Vehicle
autonomous flights are to be covered under “Operational Certification”
5.2.5 Public liability insurance requirements:
• All the Operators must take public liability insurance for each UAS Vehicle in their
fleet. The amount of insurance compensation for each type of risk should not be
lower than the amount specified during the issue of Licence.
• Operations shall not be allowed if the insurance is not in place.
• Developmental flight trials in open spaces and in the specially created flight
corridors are exempt from the public liability insurance.
5.2.6 Restricted Operations
The Operations of UAS may be restricted in the following specific cases – unless
specialised permissions can be obtained from DGCA:
• Above areas declared as no flying zones.
• Above Defence Installations / Organisations
• Above the nationally important and strategic facilities, declared as such by the
Government.
• Above major accident areas if not permitted by the authority concerned with
rescue operations.
• Operations carrying payloads which are in the banned category like drugs, toxic
materials, guns etc.
• Dropping of any object from a flying UAS is banned.
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6. UAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN KARNATAKA
UAS technology development and UAS applications in India will require a very large
number of engineers/operators in this specific field of UAS. Multidisciplinary
technologies such as aeronautics, mechanics, materials, control systems, electronic
devices, data processing, sensories etc. are involved and appropriate skills need to
be nurtured in sufficient numbers and there is a need to build teams on a pan India
basis.
Not many academic institutions have capability in this field. Very few education
institutions participated in the National Program on Micro Air Vehicles (an AR&DB
Programme funded by DRDO & DST) which is the only program in India focused on
UAS. Few technology developments in UAS are initiated and pursued by Universities
few open source software for design and simulation are used by students in India.
Universities need to be enabled at complete system level solutions in UAS with
innovation of students and faculty.
A pronged strategy is outlined for Karnataka to implement in UAS education:
• Include UAS courses in higher education at engineering and technical level in
Karnataka Universities.
• UAS Training Programmes
• Initiate a UAS University Research initiative that will promote and sponsor
advanced research in Karnataka universities
• Establish UAS Labs in key state/private Universities
Figure 6-1 UAS in Higher Education in Karnataka
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6.1 UAS COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Considering the present state of UAS technology development in foreseeable future,
it is recommended that specific UAS courses be offered as elective subjects to enable
students to specialize in fields relevant to UAS including choices for aeronautics,
electronics and communications, image processing, signal processing, embedded
systems etc. All technical education and higher education courses in Karnataka
should offer courses related to UAS – especially because UAS can provide over-
arching education in all disciplines of graduate level engineering and technical
courses. Supplementing Bachelor level engineering programmes with UAS course
offerings is the best strategy to create the knowledge and skill base in University
systems – thus, aero-space/aeronautics; electronics; communications engineering;
computer science etc could embed UAS specific courses offer to students. In this
manner, over next few years, UAS knowledge will be provided to students and they
can later apply or advance to higher levels.
Universities and institutions must be supported to establish a basic UAS lab that allows
design, manufacturing and testing of UAS – at sub-system and total integrated system
level.
Specific courses have been identified with details of their scope/contents.
6.1.1. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
This course will emphasize the development of numerical algorithms to provide
solutions to common problems formulated in science and engineering. The primary
objective of the course is to develop the basic understanding of the construction of
numerical algorithms, and perhaps more importantly, the applicability and limits of
appropriate use. The emphasis of the course will be the thorough study of numerical
algorithms to understand (1) the guaranteed accuracy that various methods
provides, (2) the efficiency and scalability for large scale systems and (3) issues of
stability. Topics include the standard algorithms for numerical computation including
root finding for nonlinear equations, interpolation and approximation of functions by
simpler computational building blocks (i.e., polynomials and splines), numerical
differentiation and divided differences, numerical quadrature and integration.
Course Text(s): Chapra SC and Canale RP. “Numerical Methods for Engineers”, (6th
ed.), 2010, McGraw-Hill. London, ISBN-13: 978-0073401065
6.1.2. LINEAR ALGEBRA
This course shall be an introduction to the concepts and methods of linear algebra.
Among the most important topics are general vector spaces and their subspaces,
linear independence, spanning and basis sets, solution space for systems of linear
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equations, linear transformations, and their matrix representations, and their inner
products. The course is designed to develop an appreciation for the process of
mathematical abstraction and the creation of a mathematical theory. Practical
paper projects are also included.
Course Text(s): "Linear Algebra Done Right", 3rd edition, by Sheldon Axler
6.1.3. INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEM ENGINEERING
This course introduces fundamental principles of the systems engineering process and
techniques. It covers the role of system engineering in the system life cycle from pre-
concept exploration through concept development, design, production, utilization,
operations support, and retirement. It addresses technical and project processes with
which the system engineer is involved, enabling and support process activities, and
specialty engineering activities. Tailoring of the system engineering function to suit the
scope and needs of the project will be discussed. Finally, the course reviews
management processes and techniques with which system engineer will be involved
as part of the program management activity.
Course Text(s): Benjamin S. Blanchard, Systems Engineering Management (4th Edition),
Wiley, New Jersey 2008
6.1.4. UAS FUNDAMENTALS
This course shall provide a comprehensive technical overview of unmanned aircraft
systems. The following topics are covered in this course: UAV Components, UAV
Communications & Data Links, UAV Sensors & Characteristics, UAV Ground Control
Systems, Civil UAV Types, Roles and Operations, Civil Airspace Integration, Sense and
Avoid Systems, UAV Mishaps, Causes of Failure, Improving Reliability, Human Machine
Interface, UAV Alternative Propulsion (Fuel Cells and Solar), UAV Navigation, UAV
Autonomous Operations, UAV Swarming, Future UAV Roles & Technologies.
Course Text(s): Krishna Venkatesh, Krishna Kishore J, K Gopalakrishna, Vivek C S,
Monograph on Micro Air Vehicles, ISBN: 978-93-5104-188-7, NDRF, IEI, India
Paul Fahlstrom and Thomas Gleason: Introduction to UAV Systems, 4th Edition,
September 17, 2012, Wiley.
6.1.5. UAV DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
This course is designed to give participants hands-on experience in small Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) design and construction to include systems integration and
testing procedures. The balance of classroom instruction coupled with practical
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applications provides an understanding of the many interdependent subsystems in a
UAV.
Course Text(s)/Lab Equipment:
Two-part Lab (each part costing Rs One Lakh)
Lab - Part I equipment package includes build kit, battery, charger, controller
Lab - Part II equipment package includes gimbal, camera, FPV equipment
6.1.6. UAS FLIGHT TEST & EVALUATION
This course covers the spectrum of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) test and
evaluation theory and techniques. Test and evaluation is just as much an essential part
of the UAS design and development process as it is for a manned aircraft. However,
the complexity and various levels of autonomy in the modern UAS pose unique
challenges to the system developer and tester that are seldom encountered in
manned aircraft development, test and evaluation programs. This course provides
students with a thorough understanding of the entire test and evaluation process as it
applies throughout the developmental life cycle of the UAS, culminating with the
capstone event—a comprehensive scenario-based flight test project. Course topics
cover the major elements of test and evaluation process, including the use of
modeling and simulation, system integration laboratories, hardware-in-the-loop (HITL)
testing and simulation, installed system test facilities, and open air test ranges. The
methods and challenges associated with flight testing remotely piloted and
autonomous UASs are examined. Testing in all flight regimes of the UAS mission are
covered to include launch and recovery, in-flight vehicle performance, stability, and
control, sensor payload performance, communication and data link performance,
ground station controls and displays, and human factors. Important test
considerations such as design for reliability, robustness, and redundancy are
examined. The critical importance of test safety is emphasized to include risk
management, identification of risks, and risk mitigation.
Course Text(s): OPEN SOURCE (will be provided with course)
6.1.7. UAV LAWS & REGULATIONS
This course will equip the student with a standardized and well-established collection
of aviation/UAS law/regulation concepts, background and applications. After
completing the course the student will be able to: understand the background and
history of aviation safety, law and regulations; understand Pilot-In-Command (PIC)
responsibility; review of the FAA (US) Federal Aviation Regulations / Aeronautical
Information Manual (FAR/AIM); understand the UAS legal requirements and concerns
for private operations; understand the UAS legal requirements and concerns for
commercial operations; understand the UAS legal requirements and concerns for
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
government operations; review of the current FAA (US) Certificate of Authorization
(COA) process; review of the current FAA (US) 333 Exemption process and
examination of various international UAS law and regulation trends.
Course Text(s): Rupprecht, Jonathan B., “Drones: Their Many Civilian Uses & U.S. Laws
Surrounding Them”, Version 2.02, 2015
6.1.8. UAV AERODYNAMICS & FLIGHT STABILITY
This course addresses fundamental principles of aerodynamics and flight stability for
applications in unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) design. It requires a basic knowledge
of mathematics and numerical modeling and is intended as a first course that
provides a sound foundation for more advanced courses in aerodynamics modeling
and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Topics include: Fundamental aerodynamics
theory, thin-airfoil theory, lifting-line theory, finite wing theory, vortex-panel method,
airfoils suitable for UAS, airfoil geometry, surface velocity, pressure distribution,
boundary layer thickness distribution, airfoil operation in off-design conditions,
Influence of Reynolds number, high-lift configurations in UAS, boundary layer stability,
flow control, rotor blade aerodynamics, methodology of CFD, and UAV flight stability.
Course Text(s): Anderson J. D. (2011). “Fundamentals of Aerodynamics”, (5th ed.),
McGraw-Hill, London. ISBN-13: 978-0073398105
6.1.9. UAS REMOTE SENSING - I
This course covers visible, infrared and radar sensors used for remote sensing by
unmanned aircraft systems. Lectures include the theoretical background necessary
to understand remote sensing applications in the optical and radio frequency portions
of the electromagnetic spectrum, to include the effects of dynamic atmospheric
conditions, target scene content and clutter. Sensor design and theory of operation is
presented in the context of accomplishing specific missions for representative civil and
commercial applications. Numerous example images and videos are used to illustrate
system operation and performance and to facilitate student learning. Additionally,
multi- and hyper- spectral imaging and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors
are illustrated and capabilities examined. Representative unmanned system sensor
applications covered include target detection/acquisition/tracking, ranging,
surveillance, reconnaissance, ground mapping, navigation, environmental
monitoring, wildfire suppression, disaster and emergency management, agricultural
monitoring, law enforcement, homeland security (airport, border, and port) and
communications.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
Course Text(s): Gundalach, J. “Designing Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A
Comprehensive Approach”, 2nd Edition, August 31, 2014, AIAA Press, ISBN-13: 978-
1624102615, ISBN-10: 1624102611
6.1.10. INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS
This course introduces the basics of robot design, planning and control. Topics include
linear control theory, coordinate transformations, kinematics, dynamics, nonlinear
control, trajectory planning, force control, sensors and actuators, filtering, optimal
control and adaptive control. During the course the students will: learn the math and
computational methods necessary to model and solve kinematic problems involving
robot manipulators and mobile robots, familiarize with the most common robot sensors
and understand fundamental sensor processing algorithms and their engineering
trade-offs, explore the computational challenges inherent in fundamental mobile
robotic tasks (e.g. localization, mapping, motion planning), explore simple robot
control systems integrating perception, planning, and action.
Programming skill in C/C++ highly desired but not required.
6.1.11. UAS REMOTE SENSING - II
This course covers visible, infrared and radar sensors used in remote sensing by
unmanned aircraft systems. Lectures include the theoretical background necessary
to understand remote sensing applications in the optical and radio frequency portions
of the electromagnetic spectrum, to include the effects of dynamic atmospheric
conditions, target scene content and clutter. Sensor design and theory of operation is
presented in the context of accomplishing specific missions for representative civil and
commercial applications. Numerous example images and videos are used to illustrate
system operation and performance and to facilitate student learning. Additionally,
multi- and hyper- spectral imaging and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors
are illustrated and capabilities examined. Representative unmanned system sensor
applications covered include target detection/acquisition/tracking, ranging,
surveillance, reconnaissance, ground mapping, navigation, environmental
monitoring, wildfire suppression, disaster and emergency management, agricultural
monitoring, law enforcement, homeland security (airport, border, and port) and
communications.
Course Text(s): Gundalach, J. “Designing Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A
Comprehensive Approach”, 2nd Edition, August 31, 2014, AIAA Press, ISBN-13: 978-
1624102615, ISBN-10: 1624102611
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
6.1.12. AUTONOMOUS UNMANNED SYSTEMS
This course provides a comprehensive background in autonomous control of
unmanned systems. It describes the different levels of control in autonomous systems
and, drawing from multiple examples, defines generic control architecture. The basic
elements of control theory and feedback control are covered including PID, fuzzy
logic, and artificial neural networks and are applied to the design of simple robotic
controller. Each of the key elements in autonomous systems is reviewed. Starting with
sensing, we work through higher levels of information processing such as feature
extraction, detection, recognition, and identification. The special problem of geo-
location and mapping is discussed. We describe how this information can be
represented in a world model including uncertainty and probabilistic descriptions of
state. Mechanisms for reasoning, planning, and optimization in decision-making are
described. Basic coordination schemes are discussed such as group decision-making,
task allocation, scheduling, and formation control. Human interfaces and adjustable
levels of autonomy, and issues related to establishing trust in autonomous systems are
discussed. The course concludes with an overview of swarming systems and biological
mechanisms for collaborative control of multiple systems. Design patterns for swarm
control are discussed and a sample system developed. Case studies of swarm control
are studied and their effectiveness evaluated.
Course Text(s): Siegwart, R. “Intro to Autonomous Mobile Robots”, 2011, Intelligent
Robotics.
Mataric, M. “The Robotics Primer”, 2007, Intelligent Robotics.
6.1.13. MAN MACHINE INTERFACE
Numerous unmanned aircraft system accidents have been attributed to the design of
the ground control station interface between the human and the machine. This
course focuses on the emerging field of human-robot interaction (HRI), which is
comprised of a multitude of disciplines including: robotics, artificial intelligence,
human factors, human computer interaction and cognitive psychology. Topics
include: Good practices when designing HRI systems, interaction and architectures,
programming languages, metrics, social robotics, emotions, frameworks and relations
between perception, actuation and HRI. The main goal is to improve the interaction
between a human and machine.
Course Text(s): Boy GA. (2011). (Ed.). “The Handbook of Human-Machine Interaction:
A Human-Centered Design Approach”. Ashgate. Burlington, VT.
ISBN: 978-1-4094-1171-0 (ebook)
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
6.1.14. CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN
The course would address Classical control system analysis, Design of classical control
systems, Mathematical tools for modern control, State-space methods and modern
control, MATLAB and SIMULINK,
Course Text(s): Modern Control Systems: Richard C. Dorf Robert H. Bishop, Prentice Hall
Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, G F Franklin, J D Powell and Emami-Eaemi
Addison- Wesley
The Art of Control Engineering K Dutton, S Thompson and B Barraclough Addison-
Wesley
Computer Controlled Systems K J Astrom and B Wittenmark Prentice- Hall
6.2 UAS TRAINING PROGRAMMES
Universities that offer UAS courses can also take advantage of demand for trained
personnel in UAS – thus, skill development and training in UAS would be an important
element of creating the knowledge base. For the benefit of working professionals,
certificate programme of short duration could be packaged and offered. Pilot
training including simulation and basic aeronautics and electronics as certificate or
diploma courses shall be included. Similarly, training programmes on UAS operations,
UAS testing, UAS data processing etc can be offered by the Universities.
Such training modules can be tailored to meet the needs – they could be 2-weeks to
3-months duration.
Possible training modules that can be offered are given below:
• UAS Systems and Instrumentation
• UAS Flight Test and Evaluation
• Intro to Guidance, Control and Navigation
• UAS Applications and Data Processing
• Pilot Training and Citification
• UAS Maintenance and support
It is suggested that the Universities can formulate training curriculum and calendar
and offer such courses.
6.3 UAS RESEARCH IN UNIVERSITY
The National Program on MAV (NPMICAV) launched in 2010 paved the way for
research in UAS at Universities. For instance, Jain University in Bangalore as a
participant in the NPMICAV program has initiated a number of activities in this area.
Considering the continuous developments across the globe for improving cost
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
effectiveness, safety and operational performance, there is need to engage
institutions of higher learning, particularly in the fields of engineering and technology
and the Universities for undertaking advanced research related to the field of UAS.
Universities must be supported to undertake advanced research in UAS field and some
of the major areas of research at the University levels are:
• Increasing safety of autonomous flights. Robust algorithm development for
obstacle avoidance
• Aerodynamics of Low Reynolds Number Complex 3D Flows due to Low AR Wings
• Unsteady Aerodynamics, Gust effects
• Flow control, Morphing, Flexible and adaptive wings, Crash resistant structures
• Micro propulsion, solar and fuel cell power
• Smart materials
• Adaptive controls, vision assisted Navigation, cooperative flying, Collaborative
control
• Advanced communication – anti jamming, Encryption, and networking
• Advanced image processing; Photogrammetric Measurement Tagging and
tracking, Geo referencing
• How to track flying drone
• Different types of sensors and related developments
• Technologies for increasing endurance
Necessary funding support for research in the Universities and institutes of higher
learning in engineering should be provided by government.
6.4 ESTABLISH UAS LABS IN UNIVERSITIES
A UAS Lab must be established in each University/institution that offers UAS courses -
technical facilities are critical to achieve excellence in educational and practice
research programs. The UAS Lab must include:
• Special small-purpose wind tunnel for the Aerodynamics and Propulsion system
characterization. It must also include the controls and advanced data
acquisition and flow diagnostics tools.
• Development of mechanical and electronics subsystems, and integration
facilities.
• Computational mechanics to provide Special CFD tools for research on low
Reynolds number flows and aero structural analysis tools.
• Equipment and software for testing on crash dynamics and qualitative and
quantitative assessment of structural damages.
• Composite and smart material lab for advanced light weight and flexible and
adaptive structural production
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Facility for software and hardware in loop simulation for real time simulations for
controls and navigation
• Indoor flight test simulated setup for the 3D position and attitude estimation
using visual imaging and analysis system.
• Advanced communication equipment for antenna characterization,
simulation of ground and transmission loses under various conditions etc.
• Open architecture lab.
• UAV pilot training facilities that include various UAV types, Ground support tools
and systems, simulation facilities and experimental fields
• Data Processing systems and software for undertaking data and signal
processing activities.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
7. UAS PILOT PROJECTS– (1) UAS APPLICATIONS AND (2) INDIGENOUS UAS MANUFACTURING
It is clear that UAS is bringing a new paradigm in society - emerging as a sophisticated,
but easy to operate, technology for image/data collection that can help society in a
variety of ways. Karnataka must take the lead in UAS – establishing the key use-case
for governance and use UAS technology in various governance activities.
In using UAS there are challenges to over-come – on one side the potentials are
extremely large and it is essential to develop Indian capabilities in Karnataka for UAS
AND on other side policy/regulations need to be well-defined and practiced. If these
are well addressed and articulated in a comprehensive study, KJA feels that an
effective eco-system for UAS can emerge. Karnataka has the right capability to be
the hub of such a national UAS eco-system development.
As a first step to evolve contours of UAS, KJA proposes that a systematic and
comprehensive UAS Pilot Project be taken up in Karnataka with twin-objectives – one,
to establish the design and manufacturing capabilities in the Karnataka industry eco-
system so that Karnataka can emerge as a hub for UAS indigenous manufacturing
AND, second to demonstrate and establish Standard Operating Systems (SOP) for UAS
Applications in Governance in Karnataka.
KJA notes that the startup environment is very active in Drones or UAS area – but all
the start-up efforts is to import UAS systems from abroad and just-fly and collect data
with less emphasis on establishing sound practices and application demonstrations.
On one hand, there is no indigenous UAS manufacturing thrust – thereby, all UAS are
imported and there is no standardisation in the UAS. Wide varieties of UAS are
imported even now and there is no certification, standardisation and checks-and-
balances in the UAS import systems. India must not become a “dumping area” for
imported UAS – on other hand, Karnataka has all the potentials to design and develop
and manufacture indigenous UAS systems and payloads – thus founding a new
industry can be realized. A Make in Karnataka thrust for UAS is required.
Because of tremendous flux, government and private agencies are “unclear” on how
to systematically proceed in USING UAS – though some efforts are being made to
demonstrate. From an utilization perspective, more than just flying the drone the issues
are of designing the application by addressing user need, UAS permissions/approvals,
UAS data collection strategy, UAS data analysis and finally deriving the decision-
information for a particular governance problem – this end-to-end definition and
understanding needs to be established SO THAT THE FULL POTENTIAL OF UAS CAN BE
EXPLOITED. We need to establish the best practices and SOP for the use of UAS – SOP
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
that agencies can refer and contract for implementation – so that governance needs
are met.
KJA RECOMMENDS THAT 2 PILOT-PROJECTS BE IMPLEMENTED BY GOVERNMENT OF
KARNATAKA WITH TWIN-GOALS – ONE, A PILOT TO PROMOTE/THRUST DESIGN AND
MANUFACTURING OF INDIGENOUS UAS IN KARNATAKA AND TWO, A PILOT TO
DEMONSTRATE AND ESTABLISH END-TO-END PRACTICES AND STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURES FOR USING UAS IN GOVERNANCE.
Figure 7.1
7.1 PILOT-1: SYSTEMATIC DEMONSTRATION OF UAS APPLICATION IN GOVERNANCE
The application potentials of UAS are vast and have been discussed in Chapter-3 –
where the specific potentials in Karnataka for using UAS has been outlined.
The purpose of the UAS Pilot-1 is to systematically demonstrate the applications of UAS
for Governance (Pilot-1UASApps). The key advantages of using UAS must get
demonstrated in totality, including:
• Variety of sectors/applications can be covered for UAS usage.
• It is important to start from USER-NEED and design a systematic application
project – thus, thrust should be to show how a governance need is met AND
NOT for showing what the technology is.
• Variety of payloads can be used on UAS for the Pilot-1UASApps so that
experience of using different types of cameras, Lidar, pollution sensor,
agriculture sprayers etc can be documented and understood.
• It is important to design the application – especially how UAS flight-line planning
for optimal coverage and for specific need; collection plan for UAS data; UAS
data processing and generating the GOVERNANCE INFORMATION for decision-
making (after all UAS will provide specific input to decision-making). Thus,
designing the application is important.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Document the permission/clearances that are required for UAS utilization and
establish standard procedures for same at Government level for quick usage
within government agencies.
• Undertake systematic UAS data acquisition and information processing to
generate the final governance information – all in an end-to-end process.
• Assess and document how this UAS technology is significantly better and has
advantages – compared to existing ground based methods in governance.
• Establish the cost effective reusable capability of UAS at local level – especially
for cities, panchayats, mini-watersheds, forest ranges etc (and not for large
area or state-wide applications).
• Demonstrate the near realtime capability of UAS – in terms of quick turnaround
for data acquisition/processing and governance information generation.
• Demonstrate and document the “scientific and autonomous” nature of UAS
applications that can be a parallel audit or check-balance system for most
governance decisions (example, independently get crop area information in
parallel to the traditional Revenue systems; autonomously monitor city growth
and so on).
• Demonstrate repetitive coverage and monitoring capability of UAS – especially
the easy deploy ability of UAS in the field for local areas.
7.1.1. PILOT-1: OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the Pilot-1 is to DEMONSTRATE AND ESTABLISH END-TO-END
PRACTICES AND STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR USING UAS IN
GOVERNANCE. The Pilot-1 would bring out the use and application of UAS in a
systematic manner; show how UAS can produce autonomous, precise, cost-effective,
up-to-date information AND model the information from UAS in a “specific processing”
to generate the GOVERNANCE INFORMATION.
Pilot-1 sub-objectives would be to:
• Systematically design and prepare a plan for using UAS – including, determining
the USER-NEED and demo areas, identifying various UAS and payloads to be
used, design of UAS flight paths and approvals/clearances, UAS data
collection, UAS data processing and finally generating the user-specified
Governance Information.
• Obtain necessary approvals and clearances for the UAS data collection from
central and state authorities
• Procure UAS flight services from different types of UAS with different payloads
and processing tools
• Fly UAS and collect data in demo areas.
• Process UAS Data to integrate and generate the user information
• Analyse and assess the governance information for its efficacy and relevance.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Document the total experience of conducting the UAS pilot
• Prepare a SOP that GOK can utilize for UAS Applications in different areas of
the state in different governance areas.
KJA has had expert discussions with GOK Departments to determine the application
areas that can be taken up for Pilot-1. Based on the wide discussions within KJA and
with the departments, as of now, 3 major application areas have been identified (if
required some more application areas can be added):
• Autonomous Property Tax Estimation in Urban Areas AND Rapid preparation of
Base Maps for City Planning – defined by Urban Development Department
(UDD)
• Autonomous field-by-field Crop Area estimation in a panchayat – defined by
Agriculture Department
• Real-time Monitoring of Civic activities – traffic, events, markets etc from a
security monitoring perspective – defined by Police Department.
In addition, a 4th element of the Pilot-1 would be to undertake a systematic system
definition study for parametrizing the UAS – this is important for preparing SOP
guidelines for UAS Applications. UAS parameters like type of UAS, flight heights, flight
direction, endurance and communication limits etc can be compared for different
UAS evaluation tests and this can help define guidelines for UAS Standards. Each such
variability in systems parameter would result in generating different
images/data/control and a comparison would provide a good insight into
standardizing the parameters.
7.1.2. PROPERTY-TAX MAPPING AND BASE MAPPING IN URBAN AREAS - URBAN DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Every city has 2 IMPORTANT functions – one, property-tax collection and second,
planning ahead for the city development. Both these require timely, precise and
accurate, image and mapping information – presently, city authorities utilize
traditional methods for these areas.
Property-tax is a self-assessment process in cities of Karnataka where a citizen
“declares” his property and based on criterion the tax is determined and collected by
the city authorities. Verification and identification of violation in reporting – which is an
important governance area is lacking in efficiency because it is based on manual
survey methods by inspectors/surveyors – this is not only time-consuming, but also
voluminous work and also amenable to false reporting and collusion. UAS can
independently and autonomously be utilized to determine property-tax of each
building in a city – by imaging and mapping it, determining its height and then
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
estimating the floor areas of the building. This can be done without visiting each
building and surveying by humans – thus, it can be scientific and free from errors and
fudging of data. The estimated floor areas and type of building can then be used to
estimate Expected Property Tax – which will give a tremendous handle and efficiency
to city authorities for proper property-tax collection.
Every City needs to be able to prepare its City Development Master Plan and be able
to monitor the city development on a regular basis. Preparing the city plan requires
timely and detailed information and maps of the city and its regional resources –
which can then be used to prepare a City Plan. Further, once a plan is prepared, city
authorities need to monitor the status of development of a city and identify plan
violations on a constant basis – so that city growth is as per plan and also the city
become an efficient social object of good quality. Presently, cities have a great
difficulty in preparing plans as they lack accurate, most current and timely (timely is
very important) information and map data. Thus, plans are deprived of good quality
and most current data of the city – in fact, city plans require regular and frequent map
information for assessing the temporal profile. Present methods are based on usage of
satellite images – which lack the granularity and details that are required for city needs
for planning (at 1:1000 or 1:500 precision); and the other method is use of aerial surveys
which takes lot of time and coordination resulting in time-spills and old data – further,
they are also expensive; or ground surveys which take inordinate time and topple the
planning cycle requirements of schedule. Thus, most cities are unable to have a
systematic planning process in operation.
Presently, no city has recourse to a scientific method to be able to monitor and know
the status of city development – especially plan non-compliance. This is because of
the extremely tedious methods of ground surveys which is human-based and collusive
of character.
UAS with appropriate imaging and Lidar payloads can make the Planning needs and
Plan monitoring process easier – as UAS can be locally used to collect data at-will
(whenever required for the local area of a city), quickly processed (especially as data
is for small area), information generated and a City-GIS can be quickly organised.
Within months again the UAS can be used for another round of data collection – this
time the difference in the 2 rounds of UAS data can be processed to automatic
difference analysis and determine the changes in the city development. The City Plan
can be used as a reference base to determine any deviations, non-compliance etc,
this cycle can be repeated every 3 months, if required at local level for each city.
7.1.2.1 OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of conducting the pilot for PROPERTY-TAX MAPPING AND BASE
MAPPING IN URBAN AREAS are as follows:
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• To autonomously determine Estimated Property Tax in each building in a city
• To rapidly prepare a Base Map for a City which can help to prepare a City Plan
• To demonstrate city monitoring vis-à-vis available City Plan and identify deviations,
non-compliance etc.
7.1.2.2 STUDY AREA
The study area identified by UDD for Property-tax exercise is a corridor around Sarjapur
in Bangalore which covers an area of about 20 sq kms.
For City Plan exercise, UDD has identified Badami city for the demonstration – Its
estimated that about 100 SqKm have to be covered for the pilot project. Badami
Municipal Corporation would also be involved in the demonstration by UDD.
7.1.2.3 GOK USER-AGENCY “ANCHOR”
The key user agency for anchoring this demonstration is the UDD – KUIDFC, BBMP,
Badami Municipality etc and other associated agencies can be also involved. UDD
has identified KUIDFC as Nodal agency for the Urban Pilot and provide all information,
support for the demonstration exercise. The anchor agencies have to be responsible
for providing the available maps, data and GIS layers related to properties, urban
land-use and other features.
7.1.2.4 METHODOLOGY
The following steps of implementation is envisaged:
• User Discussions – comprehensive discussion with UDD. BBMP, Badami Municipality
is essential to develop the “joint ownership” of the demo and also for involving the
user agency right from beginning. The involvement of users is essential also for
obtaining available data for the pilot. It is proposed that a UDD UAS Pilot Project
Committee be established for the interface.
• Permissions and Clearances – coordination by GOK to seek the permission from
DGCA, state police authorities and local district administration will be called for. A
uniform and coordinated approach can be taken up for a “single clearance” for
all UAS demonstration as part of Pilot-1. Interface between Chief Secretary and
DG, DGCA will be called for.
• Available Data – Urban department would have to provide necessary available
data on Sarjapur and Badami on Urban Land Use, Urban Property data and Maps
and KGIS content for the purpose of the Pilot project and its evaluation.
• Type of UAS – it would be good to use both fixed-wing and hovering copters for
the pilot so that demonstration of systematic “paint-brush” mode and “hover-
circle” mode can be attempted. These 2 modes will be useful to go around
buildings and also hover over buildings to get more specific information. Further,
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these 2 UAS types also require different deploy-mode and return-mode and this
can be tested for efficacy in urban areas.
o Autonomous UAS – which have auto-flight plan generation, inertial GPS
based navigation, long-term endurance (of atleast 60 minutes and more),
adequate range (of ~10-15 kms), adequate storage (of atleast sub-TB or TB
level), appropriate 2-way communication and adequate safety and
security in-built features.
• Payloads – both high-fidelity colour camera (obtaining 1-3 cm pixellation with high
radiometry) and LIDAR sensors (with height resolvability of few cms) to be used –
so that both map and height information is available. It should be ensured that
both payloads synchronized operation is achieved either in one sortie or
immediate 2 sorties with adequate endurance.
• Flying the UAS sorties – fixed-wing and hovering with different payloads over
Sarjapur, Bengaluru and Badami city for data collection.
• Software - Advanced and intelligent automated Image and UAS Data Processing
software that can ingest the UAS data to process and undertake automatically all
pre-processing of geometry, radiometry, registration, mosaicking, triangulation etc
– with minimal manual involvement. The Processing must include the extraction of
building objects – both plan and height as rapidly as possible and with minimal/less
manual interventions.
• Data Analysis and Reporting - Preparation of Property Tax-GIS with the relevant GIS
layers of study area consisting of already existing building plan maps, floor area
attributes, tax collection, roads, parks and other relevant landuse features etc;
Extraction of roads, building plan and heights, estimated floor area from the UAS
data and Estimate Property Tax for each building; Comparative analysis of both
the existing data and the UAS extracted data and reporting.
• City Base Map - Prepare a City-GIS of the relevant GIS layers of study area –
including, UAS data extracted roads, buildings and heights, landuse etc and
prepare a city Base Map for planning.
• Document the efficiency, performance, correctness and accuracy of the UAS
outputs and any comparative analysis.
• UAS SOP - Prepare a UAS SOP for Cities that can be easily implemented by city
authorities.
7.1.2.5 SCHEDULE
The Urban demonstration can be completed in 6-9 months’ time.
7.1.2.6 COST
Such a comprehensive demonstration of UAS for governance is being done for first
time and thus it is expected that the cost for the Urban Demonstration would be about
INR 1.5 to 2 crores. The UAS service can either be hired OR an alternate can be that
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
implementing agency procure and own UAS suite (2-3 equipment) that will be useful
for all pilot demonstration and also for further/expanding UAS studies.
7.1.3. AUTONOMOUS FIELD-BY-FIELD CROP AREA ESTIMATION IN A PANCHAYAT AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT
One of the main requirements in agricultural governance is the real-time information
on crops and their area. Presently, the system of crop acreage estimation is by the
Revenue system where a village-worker visits each field and records the crop grown
in each field of the village – along with a host of attributes of the field of a farmer (like
irrigation done; pesticide and fertilizer used, seeds used and so on). The farm-by-farm
data is tabulated and aggregated at village level and then upwards to taluk level
and district level and state-level. The present system is robust and has been in
operation for many years. This manual system is time consuming and heavily
dependent on manual data collection and is amenable to errors, fudging and
impossible to verify/audit and validate directly. Over time, satellite images were used
to determine crop acreage and production at an aggregate level and for limited
crop-types – though this satellite-based method is not able to “mirror” the traditional
farm-village-taluk-district hierarchy of data collection. Satellite images provide certain
high-level inputs which can be used for planning. However, for establishing ‘ground
truth’ and on-the-spot information for decision making by the farmers, satellite imagery
is not of much help. UAS data with suitable sensors provide a very good viable
alternative for decision making based on crop stress, yield estimation, harvesting
requirements etc.
UAS based image and crop data collection can ameliorate the difficulty of existing
systems – in terms of being factual, timely and accurate and “mirroring” the traditional
farm-village-taluk-district hierarchy for state/national reporting. However, UAS can be
used in limited area – say, a group of villages or maybe a panchayat and thus a
network of such UAS based “de-centralised” crop data estimation would have to be
developed – which is appropriate for the UAS technology which can easily de-
centralised and at local level systems set up for operation and still be efficient, cost-
effective and tuned to agricultural governance system needs. Once the farm-wise
crop type mapping and acreage is estimated using UAS data, a validation and audit
of comparison with existing traditional data can be undertaken to establish the
performance of the UAS demonstration. It would be appropriate to establish a
Panchayat Agri-GIS – by incorporating the UAS farm-wise data along with other
farm/crop/cadastral related data and make it amenable to decision-support at
panchayat level.
At same time, UAS can also be used for agricultural spraying operations – spraying of
pesticides, fertilizers etc – this aspect could also be tested and evaluated. If this can
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
be operationalized, specific programmes for large area spraying operations can be
taken up by Agriculture Department, in coordination with farmers. Even specific
industries can provide such spraying services to farmers.
The season will be important for the study and it is expected that more than once the
UAS data collection would have to be done in a crop season to be able to validate
and assess the crop information.
UAS with appropriate technologies of imaging – especially, multispectral imaging,
thermal imaging, Agri-sprayer payloads could be tested and evaluated. Here too,
UAS of fixed-wing type and hovering type can be tested and evaluated – hovering
would be useful for spraying operations.
7.1.3.1 OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of conducting the pilot for Agriculture Department would be
for AUTONOMOUS CROP-TYPE AND ACREAGE MAPPING AT FIELD-LEVEL:
• To autonomously map all fields and the crop type and status
• To rapidly estimate village-wise crop acreage and aggregate to panchayat level.
• To demonstrate spraying operations for agriculture areas using UAS.
7.1.3.2 STUDY AREA
For the crop mapping demonstration Agriculture Department has identified Tumkur
Rural district/Maddur – it is suggested that a panchayat be selected for the demo with
an area of about 25-50 sq kms.
7.1.3.3 GOK USER-AGENCY “ANCHOR”
The key user agency for anchoring this demonstration is the Agriculture Department –
UAS and local administration can be also involved. The agriculture department must
provide the cadastral data and other GIS layers and other revenue records for the
pilot demonstration.
7.1.3.4 METHODOLOGY
The following steps of implementation is envisaged:
• User Discussions – comprehensive discussion with Agriculture Department is
essential to develop the “joint ownership” of the demo and also for involving the
user agency right from beginning. The involvement of users is essential also for
obtaining available data and for linking the traditional village records for validation
and check/audit. It is proposed that an Agriculture Department UAS Pilot Project
Committee be established for the interface.
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
• The Pilot will have to be done for different crop seasons and for different stages -
specifically crops in the monsoon seasons are important for study. Thus, the study
will have to be over different crops in the different seasons.
• Permissions and Clearances – coordination by GOK to seek the permission from
DGCA, state police authorities and local district administration will be called for. A
uniform and coordinated approach can be taken up for a “single clearance” for
all UAS demonstration as part of Pilot-1. Interface between Chief Secretary and
DG, DGCA will be called for.
• Available Data – Agriculture department would have to provide necessary
available data on crops, Agriculture practices, Revenue maps from SSLR and KGIS
content for the purpose of the Pilot project and its evaluation.
• Type of UAS – it would be good to use both fixed-wing and hovering copters for
the pilot so that demonstration of systematic “paint-brush” mode and “hover-
circle” mode can be attempted. These 2 modes will be useful to map the field-
wise crop types and estimate acreage AND also for spraying application. Further,
these 2 UAS types also require different deploy-mode and return-mode and this
can be tested for efficacy in rural agricultural areas.
o Autonomous UAS systems – which have auto-flight plan generation, inertial
GPS based navigation, long-term endurance (of atleast 60 minutes and
more), adequate range (of ~10-15 kms), adequate storage (of atleast sub-
TB or TB level), appropriate 2-way communication and adequate safety
and security in-built features.
• Payloads –high-fidelity multi-spectral camera (obtaining 1-3 cm pixellation with
high radiometry), if possible hyper-spectral camera and Agri-sprayer payload – so
that both crop mapping and agricultural spraying application can be tested. It
should be ensured that both payloads synchronized operation is achieved either
in one sortie or immediate 2 sorties with adequate endurance.
• Flying the UAS sorties – fixed-wing and hovering with different payloads over an
identified panchayat in Tumkur/Maddur district for data collection.
o A separate UAS sortie for spraying operation can also be taken up.
• Repeat UAS sorties – it is essential to have atleast 2-3 sorties of the UAS with the
specific payload within a crop season so as to monitor the farm-wise crop status
and also for multiple forecasts of crop acreage information.
o One of the UAS sortie can be for spraying operation with sprayer payload.
• Software - Advanced and intelligent automated Image and UAS Data Processing
software that can ingest the UAS data to process and undertake automatically all
pre-processing of geometry, radiometry, registration, mosaicking etc – with
minimal manual involvement. The Processing must include the extraction of crop-
type over a cadastral geo-registered overlay with auto-mensuration of crop type
in field and its acreage at field-level and aggregated village-level (with minimal
manual intervention).
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Data Analysis and Reporting - Preparation of a Panchayat Agri-GIS of the relevant
GIS layers of study area – including, cadastral map, UAS extracted field-wise crop
type and acreage, traditional method collected crop acreage information at
field/village level and other crop attributes. This will be a multi-temporal GIS –
atleast 2-3 times over a crop season. Comparative analysis of UAS data and
traditional data and reporting.
• Document the efficiency, performance, correctness and accuracy of the UAS
outputs and any comparative analysis – both for crop mapping and agri-spraying
demonstration.
• UAS SOP - Prepare a UAS SOP for Panchayats for agricultural crops that can be
easily implement by panchayat authorities.
7.1.3.5 SCHEDULE
The Agri demonstration can be completed in 9-12 months’ time.
7.1.3.6 COST
It is expected that the cost for the Agriculture Demonstration would be about INR 2
crores. The UAS service can either be hired OR an alternate can be that GOK procure
and own UAS suite (2-3 equipment) that will be useful for all pilot demonstration and
also for further/expanding UAS studies.
7.1.4. CIVIC OPERATIONS SUPPORT FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT
Police Department undertake civic and security operations – especially crowd
management, monitoring large public events, monitoring traffic flow etc for which
real-time information of events – in terms of size of crowd in an event, overall
movements of people, detecting suspicious movements and objects, identifying
congestions in traffic or disturbances in crowd etc are important. Real-time and
instantaneous information on these events is extremely important for Police
Department.
One of the ways of achieving this need is to have a live video-feed from a roving UAS
that collects high-fidelity video-data over the event/traffic and transmits it live to a
central display system where it is recorded and displayed. In fact, such live video-feed
can be obtained in day- and night-time with specialized day-video imager and night-
video imager payloads. Such a live video-feed can be very useful for police
department to collect instant-intelligence and monitor on real-time basis.
Such UAS video-based surveillance exercise providing complete bird’s eye-view and
complete real-time view of the identified areas is extremely useful for monitoring,
identification of abnormal movements and anomalies and would be a good
demonstrator for civic and police operations.
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
7.1.4.1 OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of conducting the pilot for Police Department would be for
REAL-TIME SURVEILLANCEAND MONITORING FOR CIVIC OPERATIONS:
• To obtain real-time and live video-feed over larger areas for monitoring and status
• To rapidly detect status of any abnormalities and disruptions in crowded events –
especially detect abnormalities in night-time operations also.
• To demonstrate monitoring operations for traffic management.
7.1.4.2 STUDY AREA
For the civic operations demonstration Police Department can identify a “soft” event
and a traffic congestion area for the demo - an area of about 25-50 sq kms for the
operations. It may be good to test out in a high-crowd city area and also in a less-
crowded rural area – just to evaluate the efficacy in different environments.
7.1.4.3 GOK USER-AGENCY “ANCHOR”
The key user agency for anchoring this demonstration is the Police Department –
Bangalore City Traffic Police Department and local administration can be also
involved.
7.1.4.4 METHODOLOGY
The following steps of implementation is envisaged:
• User Discussions – comprehensive discussion with Police Department is essential to
develop the “joint ownership” of the demo and also for involving the user agency
right from beginning. The involvement of users is essential for regulating and
tracking. It is proposed that a Police Department UAS Pilot Project Committee be
established for the interface.
• Permissions and Clearances – coordination by GOK to seek the permission from
DGCA, state police authorities and local district administration will be called for. A
uniform and coordinated approach can be taken up for a “single clearance” for
all UAS demonstration as part of Pilot-1. Interface between Chief Secretary and
DG, DGCA will be called for.
o There would be an issue of additional safety in this demo as the UAS is to be
operated over crowd areas – thus stringent care has to be taken. However,
as Police Department is user, necessary protocols for this can be worked
out.
• Type of UAS – it would be mainly useful to utilise hovering copters for the pilot so
that demonstration of circling, hovering and area coverage can be tested out.
o Autonomous UAS hover systems – which have auto-flight plan generation,
inertial GPS based navigation, long-term endurance (of atleast 60 minutes
and more), adequate range (of ~10-15 kms), adequate storage (of atleast
KJA Recommendation 73 | P a g e
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
sub-TB or TB level), appropriate 2-way communication and adequate safety
and security in-built features with specific real-time transmission of payload
data plus storage is essential.
• Payloads – high-fidelity video-camera – day/night operation is essential.
• Flying the UAS sorties – fixed-wing and hovering with different payloads over an
identified area for data collection.
• Flexible Piloting UAS sorties – it is essential to have extreme flexibility of UAS
operations so that piloting and point-visiting can be undertaken by remote control
(like visiting a point again; circling around; hovering and watching etc)
• Software - Advanced and intelligent automated Video data transmission and
Processing software that can ingest the UAS video-data to a central control display
and undertake minimal video-analytics (like object detection; face match etc) -
with minimal manual involvement. The Control software must have extreme flexible
video display operations (re-wind, zoom, seek, enhancements etc) so that video-
display is more efficient and appropriate.
• Document the efficiency, performance, correctness and accuracy of the UAS
outputs and any comparative analysis.
• UAS SOP - Prepare a UAS SOP for Civic Operations for Police Department – which
Police authorities can easily implement.
7.1.4.5 SCHEDULE
The Civic operations demonstration can be completed in 3-6 months’ time.
7.1.4.6 COST
It is expected that the cost for the civic operations demonstration would be about INR
1 crore. The UAS service can either be hired OR an alternate can be that GOK procure
and own UAS suite (2-3 equipment) that will be useful for all pilot demonstration and
also for further/expanding UAS studies.
7.1.5. SYSTEMS PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF UAS FOR SOP GUIDLINES
As part of the Pilot-1, it would be important to undertake a special systems assessment
of UAS parametrization – in terms of impact on Applications when different UAS
parametrization is adopted – different and varying UAS systems; flying at different
heights; flight plan impacts (flying E-W or N-S or others); flying with different payloads;
assessing absolute image and data characters (like resolution/granularity; utilization
limits); communication limits testing; data storage limits testing and so on. It would also
be interesting to compare the UAS dataset with available satellite data sets with
different resolutions.
The UAS flights can be undertaken over a small 1-2 sq kms area (where different urban
and other features are available) – numerous combinations of UAS flights can be
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
conducted with different heights, different directions, different payloads, different
UAS, different endurance etc and data obtained. These datasets can be
independently analysed for performance and also a comparative analysis
undertaken.
The outcome of this parametrization could be an important input to SOP.
7.1.6. PILOT-1 UAS APPLICATIONS - OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
The implementation of the Pilot-1 on UAS Applications is best done in a “mission
mode”. It will require tremendous technical expertise and committed project
orientation for implementation of the Pilot. A summary perspective of the Pilot-1 is
given below:
Table 7.1 – Summary of Pilot 1
Demo Coverage Outcomes Duration Cost
Urban Demo for
UDD
• 20 sqkm corridor in
Sarjapur
• 100sqkm corridor
inBadami town
Estimated Property Tax;
Rapid Base City-GIS for
Badami
6-9
months
1.5 to 2
crores
Crop Demo for
Agri Dept
25 to 50sq kms in
Tumkur district
Fileld-wise crop type
and acreage –
aggregated to
village/taluk
9-12
months
2 crores
Civic Operations
for Police Dept
TBI – smaller areas
~10 sq kms
Surveillance information;
Traffic information
3-6
months
1 crore
TOTAL CUMMULATED BUDGET ~5 to 5.5
crores
One of the important outcomes of the Pilot -1 will be definition of SOP for UAS
Applications in Governance – which will enable local- and field-level organisations, in
government and outside government in NGOs/social organisations/industries etc, to
quickly and systematically source UAS services for various governance applications.
The various steps to be taken for implementation of the Pilot 1 is shown in Figure 7-1.
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
Figure 7-2 Implementation Process of Pilot 1
The following suggestions are made for the implementation:
• Project Management Unit – Department of Science and Technology of GOK
could be identified as PMU for this UAS Pilot project. This PMU can be responsible
for the implementation of the project.
o An expert could be identified to serve as the Project Director for the UAS
Pilot Project and for the overall coordination of the UAS activity with
single minded focus.
o 2 or 3 Senior Research Associates could be attached to the Project
Director to assist the overall coordination.
• UAS Pilot Project Expert Committee – The S&T department could establish an
expert Committee, Chaired by an eminent expert in this field to technically
guide, steer and oversee the implementation and outcomes of the project.
• Pilot Project Implementation agency – Implementation would involve various
elements of user coordination, designing each application demo and planning
sorties, assessing specific payloads of UAS for various demos, UAS sourcing and
flights, UAS data processing and information generation. One possible option
could be that a suitable academic/research institution – like IISc, NIAS, IIIT-B,
VTU etc who could be selected for the Pilot Project implementation. Discussion
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
can be held with these agencies so that one of them can take the lead role
and implement the pilot.
• UAS, payloads and Data Processing software – These can either be procured
for repeated usage OR services procured as per specifications. While service
procurement may appear better – it has difficult aspects of being able to
procure the range of UAS and payloads for operations spread over a year or
so of the schedule (and timing it as per needs of the urban/agri/police
department application). On other hand, if the implementation agency can
procure the UAS and payloads and establish a good UAS Lab – it will be a useful
asset for many more applications and demonstrations over a few years’ time.
This will also give an assessment of the capability of the systems and in an
academic environment of research help in further student projects, research
studies and specific customized technical assessments for GOK (removing
hassles of repeated service procurement). In long-term, the cost-effectiveness
would be established when number of such pilots/demos increase and
operational systems get established.
o In an operational scenario when large number of applications demand
arises, the best approach for GOK should be through develop industry
services that offer operational UAS services to government agencies.
• Budget for UAS Applications Pilot. It is expected that a total of about INR 5-6
crores would be required for the 3 pilot demonstration exercises – including
establishing common UAS Lab that can serve all 3 demonstrations. The budget
would also include a project team cost for about 2 years and also operational
costs and other documentation/services/studies.
• Schedule for the UAS Applications Pilot – A schedule of about 12-18 months
would be required for completing the pilot in a systematic manner with all data
collection and analysis, comparative evaluation, documentation, SOP etc
7.2 PILOT-2: DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF UAS
UAS will be major technology area – both in domestic and global scenario. UAS
represent a technological capability that cuts across various sectors – aeronautics,
electronics, control systems and guidance, sensories and software development. UAS
is also a subject of research and design/development where newer innovations and
ideations are triggering unique design and manufacturing process for UAS. An active
academic setting that provides a research thrust is critical in the design and
manufacturing of UAS. Thus, UAS represent a microcosm of a systems technological
capability that involves higher intellect and knowledge base and an industrial
capability of machining and manufacturing.
KJA is of the view that Karnataka has all the characters for UAS manufacturing and for
establishing an industrial base in UAS technology. Karnataka has an established
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
aerospace eco-system with major aerospace organizations and companies located
in and around Bengaluru. Bengaluru is also the hub for IT and ITES enterprises that are
globally providing services and products – the start-up environment in Bengaluru is also
very aggressive for innovation in various fields. Karnataka also has a very vibrant
academic and research environment with large number of education institutions and
universities – both in public and private sector. Thus, Karnataka has all the characters
to become the manufacturing hub for UAS – in the larger perspective of domestic and
global markets for UAS.
With such a vibrant eco-system that can found a base for UAS design and
manufacturing, there needs to be a government thrust to create a manufacturing-
trigger that can bring about an impetus and drive for UAS design and manufacturing
in Karnataka.
KJA proposes a Challenge Pilot Project for the academic and industrial eco-system to
undertake indigenous design and development of UAS and, thereby, create an eco-
system for having a UAS manufacturing hub in Karnataka. KJA PROPOSES A PILOT
PROJECT FOR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF UAS – involving academic and
industrial institutions in partnerships.
7.2.1. PILOT-2: OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the Pilot-2 is to undertake a limited challenge project for
INDIGENUOUS DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF UAS in Karnataka – involving
selected academic and industry collaborations.
GOK could establish a “UAS Design and Manufacturing Challenge Fund” that can
fund selected academia-industry collaborations for the pilot. The Pilot should be
driven by academic institutes BUT mandatorily having a manufacturing industry
partner involved. Thus, GOK would be providing the thrust for kick-off of the
manufacturing process and also bringing academia and industries together in this
endeavor.
The Pilot-2 would create a new eco-system that will bring academia and industries to
work together to bear about the best of knowledge for innovative designing and
efficient manufacturing of UAS in an indigenous environment. This would tremendously
enhance the research environment in UAS and the overall technological capability
related to various UAS technologies in Karnataka and in India.
Pilot-2 sub-objectives would be to:
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UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) – TECHNOLOGIES, APPLICATIONS AND POLICIES: STRATEGY FOR KARNATAKA (INCLUDING A PROPOSAL FOR UAS
PILOT-PROJECTS)
• Create an eco-system whereby academic institutions, bringing research and
ideation for UAS, work with industries in partnership, bringing the process and
manufacturing capability for UAS.
• Create a design, manufacturing and testing capability for advanced UAS and
create a technology capability platform in this new area.
• Bring payload development or integration on indigenous UAS and demonstrate
operational integration.
• Undertake flight tests and demonstrations of manufactured UAS and establish
a commercial manufacturing possibility, based on market demand.
• Undertake market demand assessments of UAS needs in India (and globally)
and specific UAS systems that meet Indian needs and can cater to global
markets.
• Document the total experience of design and manufacturing UAS
KJA has had discussions with various experts in academia, industries and GOK
Departments and recommends that 2-3 academia-industry partnerships be selected
for the Pilot – based on solicited proposals and selection. Academia, in public and
private sector, must drive this initiative as they can bring in the research and student
participation that will benefit in creating a “cadre” of trained experts in this area.
Academia must partner with industries for undertaking Pilot – so that down-stream
objective of addressing industrial manufacturing is addressed. Thus,
academia+industry combination will bring a new way of thrusting the education,
research and industry sector of UAS.
Such a model for technological capability building would be unique and innovative
– hitherto not attempted in a large manner in India – Karnataka can take a lead.
7.2.2. METHODOLOGY
The following steps of implementation is envisaged:
• Challenge Fund – GOK could establish a Challenge Fund for UAS Design and
Manufacturing pilot project – S&T department has already implemented
challenge fund in other areas, and thus similar procedures could be adopted.
o UAS manufacturing Apex Experts Committee could be established by GOK
to manage the challenge process and fund allocation and drive the pilot –
selecting, guiding/mentoring, monitoring, certifying etc at various stages.
Agencies like NAL, HAL, ISRO, DRDO, DGCA etc could be involved in this
experts Committee, apart from state representatives.
• Academia-Industry Proposals - Solicit Proposals from Academia-Industry
partnerships. Proposals can be obtained from Academic institutions, public and
private, which have an engineering and multi-disciplinary capability – however,
the academic institution must tie up with an industry to form an Association for
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PILOT-PROJECTS)
the proposal. Academia can bring in design and research innovation for the
project and industry should bring in manufacturing capability. The scope of
proposal should include design, components and sub-systems, payloads and
sensories, manufacturing process and testing plan. Proposals can be any type of
UAS – fixed-wing, rotaries etc and innovation to meet standards of high-
technology capability. The deliverables should be tangible in terms of units of
manufactured UAS; a report that documents the experience and process AND
a perspective of market demand assessment for the product from the
Association.
• UAS Application Demonstration– GOK must undertake to use the manufactured
UAS in extended application demonstrations (on cost-coverage basis) so that
the field utilization capability/potential of the manufactured UAS is established.
This will also convince the GOK that the UAS can meet the governance needs
and could be utilized in a larger manner.
• Risk and Guarantees -GOK is funding this challenge with a larger objective of
creating a national technological capability – in anticipation of being able to
create a manufacturing hub in Karnataka for UAS and create employment,
thrust industrial sector, boost economic growth and create sustained indigenous
availability of UAS in India and abroad. Academia invests the knowledge and
intellect resources into this challenge – thus thrusting the education and research
in UAS which will bring benefit to students in Karnataka and make them prepared
for national and global forays in professional career. Industries invest their time
and manpower to establish manufacturing process and ultimately plan for
commercial manufacturing and market forays. Thus, all 3 groups are “investing”
resources – financial, knowledge and manufacturing in this pilot. Ultimately, GOK
could give preference to indigenously manufactured UAS for use anywhere in
the state (or nation) by different government agencies – thus a head-start could
be assured for the participating industries to “guarantee” them of
domestic/state market access.
• Payloads – are the “heart” of UAS and thus it should be clear whether
manufacturing would include payloads (mainly different types of cameras,
Lidars, sprayers, environmental sensors, delivery payloads etc). If indigenous
payload manufacturing is also included in a Proposal that must be encouraged
– else sourcing and integration plan must be clearly defined and outlined.
• Testing the manufactured UAS– rigorous testing of the manufactured UAS must
be taken up to a standard level. Testing needs to be mainly on flight, ruggedness,
reliability etc and also of integrated payload operations.
• Document the experience, design, manufacturing process, overall performance,
test reports and operations report of the manufactured UAS outputs.
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7.2.3. CHALLENGE FUND AND OUTCOMES
The Challenge Fund for the pilot could be provided by GOK as a one-time grant. An
amount of INR 25 crores should be adequate for the Challenge Fund – which can fund
3-4 proposals in parallel. Any academia+industries proposal to be funded could be
limited to INR 5 crores – basically to the academia institutions.
Administering the Challenge Fund could be at recommendation/clearance of the
Expert Committee.
Within GOK, the S&T Department, in collaboration with HED Department and Industries
Department, could “anchor” the Pilot Project.
The Pilot will deliver unique results:
• UAS manufacturing eco-system that can create employment/jobs for the
youngsters in manufacturing and services of the UAS sector in
state/nation/worldwide.
• Thrust indigenous UAS usage in the country – this will be a matter of comfort and
control for security/clearance agencies (DGCA/Police etc) for UAS permissions
as using indigenous UAS would provide back-end control for security
audit/tracking etc.
• As an incentive and risk mitigation for the indigenous manufacturing industry, it
would be appropriate for GOK to adopt preferential selection of indigenously
manufactured UAS under the GOK challenge fund for sourcing UAS services and
procurements within GOK – provided the technical merits are achieved.
7.2.4. DURATION
The Pilot Project must get completed in 18 - 24 months – thus, processes need to be
established to solicit, select and implement the proposal within this period.
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8. OVERALL RECOMMENDATIONS
UAS is an important area for Karnataka to take leadership – details of which have
been discussed in the previous sections. KJA makes the following recommendations
for the Government to consider and implement.
UAS manufacturing and UAS Applications are key elements of future state
development and governance systems. Karnataka has the right capability to emerge
as a hub for UAS eco-system development and needs to take leadership action in this
regard. Emerging as a hub for national eco-system in UAS, Karnataka needs to put in
place a Policy and Regulation on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).
8.1 RECOMMENDATIONS – UAS IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
The following recommendations are made for thrusting UAS in Higher Education:
• Include UAS courses in higher education in Karnataka and encourage state
Universities to include UAS courses in higher education. A concerted effort to
design the curriculum details, examination etc can be taken up by Karnataka
State Higher Education Council (KSHEC).
• Universities could design customized and specialized short-term training
programmes on UAS – which Government of Karnataka could avail for its officers
and experts. Such training programmes can also be made available by
Universities to industry and other state/central governments.
• Provide a one-time financial grant in Universities/institutions for establishing a UAS
Lab. Universities that offer UAS courses and those that have Faculty oriented for
UAS courses could be selected. The coordination for this funding and
establishment guidelines can be addressed by KSHEC.
• Establish a UAS Research Fund that can provide annual research project grants
in UAS field to state Universities/institutions. The research areas, selection of
proposals, guidance and mentoring etc can be coordinated by specific expert
committee under KSHEC.
• Support state Universities/institutions to recruit internationally recognized global
experts as faculty (or by establishment of a chair position)
• Create a GOK-NAL-Universities UAS Consortium for developing advanced
research and technology development in UAS. This Consortium could make best
use of institutions like NAL, ISRO, DRDO, HAL for defining programmes and
education courses.
• Institute a UAS Design and Manufacturing Challenge Fund and invite University-
industry partnership to avail funds/grants for meritorious proposals for designing
and manufacturing UAS. The industry association with each University will ensure
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industry interface and also enable industry to benefit from University design
efforts.
8.2 RECOMMENDATIONS – UAS POLICY
Karnataka must take lead to incorporate a special UAS section in Aerospace Policy
(http://www.investkarnataka.co.in/assets/downloads/aerospace-policy.pdf) with the
main aim of encouraging the indigenous development, manufacturing and wide
applications of UAS in an orderly and socially responsible manner.
The focus needs to be:
• To make Karnataka a preferred global destination for manufacturing of UAS
systems & sub-systems, payloads, navigation instruments, components and
software and testing.
• To facilitate the wide use of UAS for various applications for Governance in
different departments and works of Government. This should enable to bring in
standardised UAS Applications into efficient and affordable professional services
for any governance activity and enable local-level procurement of services.
• To create an eco-system comprising infrastructure, education and R&D to make
the State a conducive hot spot for UAS industry; make Karnataka an attractive
geography for global tier-1 suppliers.
• To encourage use of indigenously designed, developed and manufactured
Drones/ Flying model aircrafts/ and larger Unmanned Aerial Systems. As an
incentive and risk mitigation for the indigenous manufacturing industry, it would
be appropriate for GOK to adopt preferential selection of indigenously
manufactured UAS under the GOK challenge fund for sourcing UAS services and
procurements within GOK – provided the technical merits are achieved.
• To introduce theoretical and practical aspects of UAS technology into higher
education.
• To encourage the Indian industry in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of
various models of UAS.
• To make Karnataka as one of the leading UAS Testing hubs in the world and in
this region. Government may setup and establish a National UAS Test Range
where UAS testing, calibration and verification/certification could get
conducted in a standardised manner.
• To make available ready-to-employ human resource pool for the industry.
• To strengthen R&D infrastructure for achieving innovative and cutting-edge
technologies.
• To create enhanced facilitation mechanism for ease of doing business through
industry friendly policy frame work.
• To put in place Rules and Regulations for safe and orderly use of various UAS
Vehicles in the state (Indian) air space.
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• To implement the Rules and Regulations, including public liability insurance, and
achieve compliance through existing or new structure(s) of Authority.
As UAS is a new area, systematic Pilot Projects must be taken up to establish technical
aspects, application procedures, industrial capability, research thrust, education
focus and a larger capability building in UAS area.
8.3 RECOMMENDATIONS – UAS PILOT PROJECTS
Karnataka has the right capability to be the hub of such a national UAS eco-system
development and must take lead in this regard. This scenario compels India to put in
place a Policy and Regulation on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) - including small
and tiny Drones.
As outlined in Chapter 7 of this report, KJA recommends that 2 pilot-projects be
implemented by Government of Karnataka with twin-goals:
• DEMONSTRATE AND ESTABLISH END-TO-END PRACTICES AND STANDARD
OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR USING UAS IN GOVERNANCE. The Pilot-1 would
bring out the use and application of UAS in a systematic manner; show how UAS
can produce autonomous, precise, cost-effective, up-to-date information AND
model the information from UAS in a “specific processing” to generate the
GOVERNANCE INFORMATION. Details are:
o Autonomous Property Tax Estimation in Urban Areas AND Rapid preparation
of Base Maps for City Planning – defined by Urban Development
Department (UDD)
o Autonomous field-by-field Crop Area estimation in a panchayat – defined
by Agriculture Department
o Real-time Monitoring of Civic activities – traffic, events, markets etc from a
security monitoring perspective – defined by Police Department.
o Undertake a system definition study for parametrizing the UAS. Control tests
with different UAS parameters can result in different images/data/control
data and a comparison would provide a good insight into standardizing
the parameters for SOP.
GOK may allocate funds to the tune of INR 5 to 5.5 crores for the Pilot projects for
implementation in about 12-18 months. Pilot implementation could be awarded
to a suitable research/academic institution – IISC, NIAS, IIIT-B or any others. GOK
could identify the suitable agency, Document the experience and outcomes of
the Application demonstration and prepare a SOP for agencies to use UAS in
governance
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• The Pilot-2 would promote/thrust design and manufacturing of indigenous UAS in
Karnataka so that Karnataka can emerge as a hub for UAS indigenous
manufacturing
o Establish a Challenge Fund of INR 25 crores for UAS Design and
Manufacturing pilot project.
o Constitute an apex Experts Committee to manage the challenge process
and fund allocation and drive the pilot – selecting, guiding/mentoring,
monitoring, certifying etc at various stages. Agencies like NAL, HAL, ISRO,
DRDO, DGCA etc could be involved in this experts Committee, apart from
state representatives.
o Award 3-4 academia+industry consortia to undertake this design and
manufacturing in a period of 1 year.
o Document the experience and outcome of the design and manufacturing
process.
GOK may allocate funds to the tune of INR 25 crores for the Challenge Fund and
undertake the innovative activity of indigenous design and manufacturing of UAS
and building a hub for UAS manufacturing in Karnataka.
S&T Department could be the nodal agency for the 2 Pilot project with association of
other user departments – Agri/UD/Police for Pilot-1 and HE/Industries Dept for Pilot-2.
8.4 RECOMMENDATIONS – STATE LEVEL COORDINATION AND MONITORING
The development of the UAS eco-system requires a foundation of a governance
structure which must be holistic – covering technology application and policy and
overall coordination and driven by the Government under expert advice. It is essential
to have a high-level expert body to steer and guide the overall development of UAS
including its use in governance. GOK may establish such a High Level Committee for
UAS in Governance Chaired by Chief-Secretary and involving all departments,
industries, experts, academia. This High Level Committee must be able to define the
UAS applications in governance and embed the usage of UAS at various governance
levels. The committee must also take up the standardization, endorsement and for
easy implementation of the SOP for the applications developed by the pilot project-
thereby paving way for easy procedures for Government agencies to contract UAS
projects in different sectors. The Committee could oversee the development of
manufacturing capabilities and provide necessary guidelines and actions that will
help in the challenge fund and manufacturing. The Committee, through the Chief
Secretary, could be the liaison with DGCA and other central Govt agencies for
coordinating the UAS activities.
The S&T department could establish a UAS Applications Pilot Project Expert
Committee, Chaired by an eminent expert in this field to technically guide, steer and
oversee the implementation and outcomes of the UAS Applications Pilot project.
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An UAS Manufacturing Apex Experts Committee could be established by GOK to
manage the UAS Design and Manufacturing Challenge Fund and drive the Pilot
Project – selecting, guiding/mentoring, monitoring, certifying etc at various stages.
Agencies like NAL, HAL, ISRO, DRDO, DGCA etc could be involved in this experts
Committee, apart from state representatives.
Figure 8-1 Committees Recommended
The Government could also consider promoting a not-for profit UAS Association as a
societal and community body that brings all stake holders and users on one platform.
The Association could encourage for the systematic development of hobby flying of
UAS and drones amongst common citizens. The association can also undertake public
awareness programmes, student integration program and citizen completion for
spreading the knowledge and information about UAS.
GOK may initiate an annual meet of UAS industry academia and Govt – just as it has
taken up for IT, BT, Nano etc. Bangalore could host an International Summit on UAS on
a regular basis, starting from 2018, and bring international and national experts for
dialogue and net-working and enabling for Karnataka to emerge as a global
destination for UAS. A brand for “Karnataka.UAS” (like Bangalore.biz, Bangalore.Bio
etc) be developed.
Till such an annual event gets operationalized, it would be worthwhile to initiate a
Special UAS Track in 2017 IT.biz.
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ANNEXURE- 1: GO ON KARNATAKA JNANA AAYOGA (KJA)
Subject: Reconstitution of Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
Read: 1) Government Order No. ED 110 URC 2008, dated 5/9/2008
2) Government Order No. ED 462 URC 2013, dated 28-12-2013
3) Notification No. ED 364 URC 2016, dated 26-12-2016.
Preamble
Karnataka has emerged as the Knowledge Capital of the country. The State
needs to take on the global challenges in terms of innovation, conservation of
heritage, generation of new knowledge, application of knowledge in every sphere of
life, skill development, enhancement of competencies, creation of better human
capital to create new knowledge economy besides creation of a more humane
society. Keeping in view the setting up of National Knowledge Commission, the
Karnataka Knowledge Commission was constituted in 2008, vide Government Order
No: ED 110 URC 2008, dated 5-9-2008 read at (1) above, under the guidance and
Chairmanship of renowned Space Scientist Dr. K. Kasturirangan. After completion of
term of the Commission, was reconstituted and the term was extended till December
28, 2013 vide G.O. read at (2) above. Further, the term of the Commission was
extended for 03 years vide Notification read at (3) above. Recognizing the important
role to be played the Commission in making Karnataka a Knowledge State and a
Knowledge economy, it is proposed to reconstitute Karnataka Knowledge
Commission.
The Government has considered reconstitution of Knowledge Commission for
another term with the focus on institution building, policy innovation and excellence
in the field of education, health, science and technology, industry, entrepreneurship,
research and innovation, traditional knowledge, agriculture, e-governance, rural
development, etc., and other relevant areas in the context of Karnataka. In view of
the above, the Government has decided to reconstitute the Karnataka Knowledge
Commission. Hence this order.
GOVERNMENT ORDER NO. ED 354 URC 2016 (Part – 1)
BANGALORE DATED: 2-8-2017
In the circumstances explained above, the Government is pleased to
reconstitute the Karnataka Knowledge Commission in the State with the following
eminent persons as Chairman and Members.
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Sl.No Name and Address Designation
1 Dr. K. Kasturirangan,
Former Chairman of ISRO, Ex- Member
(Science), Planning Commission, GoI, Emeritus
Professor, National Institute of Advanced
Studies, Bengaluru
Chairman
2 Dr. Mukund Kadursrinivas Rao
Adjunct Professor, NIAS, Bengaluru
Member -Secretary
3
Sri. P.G.R. Sindhia
Former Minister for Home, Transport and
Finance, Government of Karnataka
Member
4 Sri. Mohandas Pai T V
President, MEMG International India Ltd.
No. 70, 4th Floor, Grace Towers, Above
Navaneeth Motors, Milers Road, Bengaluru –
560052
Member
5 Prof. Anurag Behar
Vice Chancellor, Azim Premji University, PES
Institute of Technology Campus Pixel Park, B’
Block Electronic City Hosur Road, Bengaluru
Member
6 Prof. M. R. Satyanarayana Rao,
Ex - Director, Jawaharlal Centre for Advanced
Scientific Research (J.N.C.A.S.R), Jakkur,
Bengaluru- 560064.
Member
7 Dr. Nazeer Ahmed,
Advisor, World Organization for Research
Development and Education, Ex-Scientist,
NASA, No. 4, 9th Cross, Jayamahal Main Road,
Jayamahal Extension, Bangalore – 560046
Member
8 Prof. Sunney Tharappan,
Director, C.L.H.R.D, Valencia Circle,
Mangalore – 575002.
Member
9 Prof. G. Padmanabhan,
Former Director of IISc, Bangalore – 560012.
Member
10 Dr. Gayatri Saberwal,
Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied
Biotechnology, Biotech Park Electronics City
Phase I, Bangalore – 560100
Member
11 Prof. S. Sadagopan,
Director, IIIT-Bangalore, 26/C, Electronics City,
Hosur road, Bangalore – 560100.
Member
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Sl.No Name and Address Designation
12 Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty,
Heart Specialist, Narayana Hrudayalaya,
258/A, Bommasandra Industrial area, Anekal
Taluk, Bangalore – 560099
Member
13 Dr. Rajashekar H. B.
Director Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College,
Nehru Nagar, Belgavi – 590010
Member
14 Dr. B.M. Hegde,
Ex-Vice Chancellor, Manipal University,Ganesh
Lower Bendur, II cross, Mangaluru – 575702.
Member
15 Dr. P. Balakrishna Shetty,
Vice Chancellor, Sri Siddartha Academy of
Higher Education, Agalakote, B.H. Road,
Tumkur – 572 107.
Member
16 Sri. Rahul Sharad Dravid,
B 17, Epsilon Ventures, Yemlur PO, Bengaluru –
560037
Member
17 Sri. Prakash Padukone,
Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, No.
4, 3rd Main, KBA Stadium, Jasma Bhavan
Road, Opposite to Congress office, Vasanth
Nagar, Bengaluru – 560052.
Member
18 Dr. Mohan Alva,
Chairman, Alva Education Society, Vidyagiri,
Moodbidri, Dakshina Kannada Dist – 574227.
Member
19 Dr. B N Suresh,
Vikram Sarabhai Professor, ISRO Hqs, Antariksh
Bhavan, New BEL Road, Bengaluru-560 231
Member
20 Sri. S V Ranganath,
Retd. IAS & Ex- Chief Secretary
Member
21 Smt. Ashwini Nachappa,
International Athletic, No. 516, 16th E Cross,
17th A Main Koramangala, 6th Block,
Bengaluru- 560094
Member
22 Dr. Pulak Ghosh,
Professor, IIM-Bengaluru
Member
23 Prof. B. K. Chandrashekar,
Hon’ble Ex-Minister, GoK
Member
24 Prof. Radhakrishna,
Academician
Member
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Sl.No Name and Address Designation
25 Smt. Sudhamurthy,
President, Infosys Foundation
Member
26 Prof. Basavaraja K. P,
Professor, IIM, Bengaluru
Member
27 Dr. S.R. Patil,
Rtd. Professor & Head, Geography
Department, Karnataka University, Dharwad
Member
28 Dr. Angarai Ganeshan Ramakrishnan
Professor & Chairman, Department of
Electrical Engineering, IISc, Bengaluru
Member
29 Sri. Bharat Khinji,
Industrialist, Hubballi
Member
30 Sri. Shivkumar Kheni,
Industrialist
Member
Ex-Officio Members
Sl.
No
Name and Address
1 Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Finance Department,
Government of Karnataka, Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru-560001
2 Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Primary and Secondary
Education Department, Government of Karnataka, 6th Floor, 2nd
Stage, M.S. Building, Bengaluru-560001
3 Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Medical Education
Department Government of Karnataka, 6th Floor, 4th stage,
MS Building, Bengaluru-560001
4 Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department,
Government of Karnataka, 6th Floor, 2nd Stage, MS Building,
Bengaluru-560001
5 Principal Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department,
Government of Karnataka, # 105, 1st Floor, Vikasa
Soudha, Bengaluru-560001
6 Principal Secretary to Government, Information Technology, Bio
Technology and Science & Technology Department, Government of
Karnataka, 5th Floor, 5th stage, M.S Building, Bengaluru-560001
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Term of Reference: -
The Commission shall strive to give recommendations in the following areas.
1. To focus on institution building, policy innovation and excellence in the field of
education, health, science and technology, industry, entrepreneurship, research
and innovation, traditional knowledge, agriculture, e-governance, rural
development, etc., and other relevant areas in the context of Karnataka.
2. Build excellence in the educational system to meet the challenges of the 21st
century and increase Karnataka’s competitive advantage in the fields of
knowledge.
3. Promote creation of knowledge in all formal and non-formal educational, scientific
and Knowledge institutions of Karnataka.
4. Improve the leadership and Management of educational and knowledge
institutions of Karnataka.
5. Promote knowledge applications in agriculture, rural development, health,
industry and other areas.
6. Enhance the use of knowledge capabilities in making government an effective
service provider to the citizen and promote widespread sharing of knowledge to
maximize public benefit.
7. Promote inter sectoral interaction and interface with the objective of preservation,
access, new concepts, creation, application, dissemination, outreach and
services relating to knowledge.
8. Develop appropriate institutional frameworks to strengthen the education system,
promote domestic research and innovation, facilitate knowledge application in
various sectors.
9. Leverage information and communication technologies to enhance governance
improve connectivity and reduce digital divide.
10. Device mechanisms for exchange and interaction between knowledge System in
the global arena.
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11. Conserve indigenous and heritage knowledge in Karnataka for better Utilization of
time tested concepts and knowledge by society.
By Order and in the name of the
Governor of Karnataka
Sd/-
(M.A. AHAMED JHON) Under Secretary to Government
Higher Education Department (Universities-2)
To,
The Complier, Karnataka Gazette -for publication in next issue of the Gazette.
Copy to:
1. The Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka,
Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.
2. PS to Chief Secretary / Additional Chief Secretaries / Development Commissioner
to Govt., of Karnataka, Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru, All Principal Secretaries/
Secretaries, Govt. of Karnataka, Bengaluru.
3. Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member (Science), Planning Commission, Government of
India. Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.
4. Vice Chancellors/Registrars of All Universities.
5. Executive Director, Karnataka State Council for Higher Education, Bengaluru.
6. Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Member (Science), Planning Commission, Government of
India. Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru.
7. Dr. Mukund Kadursrinivas Rao, Adjunct Professor, NIAS, Bengaluru
8. Shri. PGR Sindhia, Former Minister, Home, Transport & Finance, GoK, No. 24,
Doddamaralavadi Village, Maaralavadi Hobli, Kanapura Taluk, Ramanagara Dist.
9. Sri. Mohandas Pai T V, President, MEMG International India Ltd., No. 70, 4th Floor,
Grace Towers, Above Navaneeth Motors, Milers Road, Bengaluru – 560052
10. Prof. Anurag Behar, Vice Chancellor, Azim Premji University, PES Institute of
Technology Campus Pixel Park, B’ Block Electronic City Hosur Road, Bengaluru
11. Prof. M.R. Satyanarayana Rao, Ex-Director, Jawaharlal Centre for Advanced
Scientific Research (J.N.C.A.S.R), Jakkur, Bangalore – 560064.
12. Dr. Nazeer Ahmed, Advisor, World Organization for Research Development and
Education, Ex-Scientist, NASA, No. 4, 9th Cross, Jayamahal Main road, Jayamahal
Extension, Bangalore – 560046.
13. Prof. Sunney Tharappan, Director, C.L.H.R.D, Valencia Circle, Mangalore – 575002.
14. Prof. G. Padmanabhan, Former Director of IISc, Emeritus Professor Department of
Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore – 560012.
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15. Dr. Gayatri Saberwal, Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology,
Biotech Park Electronics City Phase I, Bangalore – 560100.
16. Prof. S. Sadagopan, Director, IIT-Bangalore, 26/c, Electronics City, Hosur road,
Bangalore – 560100
17. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Heart Specialist, Narayana Hrudayalaya, 258/A,
Bommasandra Industrial area, Anekal Taluk, Bangalore – 560099.
18. Dr. Rajashekar H B Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, JNMC Campus,
Nehru Nagar, Belgaum – 590010.
19. Dr. B.M. Hegde, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Manipal University, Ganesh Lower Bendur,
2nd Cross, Mangaluru -575702.
20. Dr. P Balakrishna Shetty, Vice Chancellor, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher
Education, Agalakote, B.H. road, Tumkur – 572 107.
21. Sri. Rahul Sharad Dravid, B 17, Epsilon Ventures, Yemlur PO, Bengaluru – 560037
22. Sri. Prakash Padukone, Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, No 4, 3rd main,
KBA stadium, Jasma Bhavan road, Opp Congress office, Vasanth Nagar,
Bengaluru – 560052.
23. Dr. Mohan Alva, Chairman, Alva Education Society, Vidyagiri, Moodbidri,
Dakshina Kannada Dist – 574 227.
24. Dr. B N Suresh, Vikram Sarabhai Professor, ISRO Hqs, Antariksh Bhavan, New BEL
Road, Bengaluru-560 231
25. Shri. S V Ranganath Retd. IAS & Ex- Chief Secretary, Vice-Chairman, Karnataka
State Higher Education Council, Palace Road, Bengaluru.
26. Smt. Ashwini Nachappa, International Athletic, No. 516, 16th E Cross, 17th A Main
Koramangala, 6th Block, Bengaluru- 560094
27. Dr. Pulak Ghosh, Professor, IIM-Bengaluru, Bengaluru, Bannerughatta Road,
Bengaluru-560076.
28. Prof. B. K. Chandrashekar, Door No. 4032, 28th Cross, 17th Main Road,
Banashankhari 2nd Stage, Bengaluru – 560070
29. Prof. Radhakrishna, Academician
30. Dr. Sudha N. Murthy, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation, Infosys Towers, No. 27,
31. JP Nagar, 3rd Phase Bannerghatta Main road, Bangalore – 560076.
32. Prof. Basavaraja K.P, Professor, IIM Bengaluru, Bannerughatta Road, Bengaluru-
560076.
33. Dr. S.R. Patil M. A. Ph.D, Professor of Geography, (Retd) Department of
Geography, Karnataka University, Dharwad
34. Dr. Ramakrishnan Angarai Ganeshan Ph.D,(Bio-Medical Engineer), Department of
Electrical Engineering, IISc, Bengaluru
35. Mr. Bharat Khinji, Director, Founder and Chief Executive Officer BDK Engineering
Industries Limited 47/48, Gokul Road, Hubli, Karnataka
36. Sri. Shivakumar Kheny, Industrialist, Managing Director, Nandi Highway Developers
Ltd., BF Utilities, Ltd., Bengaluru
Karnataka Jnana Aayoga
(Karnataka Knowledge Commission)
Government of Karnataka
Room No. 432, 433, 438 and 439
4th Floor, Vikasa Soudha
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Veedhi
BENGALURU – 560 001
e-mail: [email protected]
www.karnataka.gov.in/jnanaayoga