Aerospace, Defense and Mechanical Engineering

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The term "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle" refers to an aircraft without a pilot aboard. UAVs can fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems, or they can be controlled remotely by a pilot at a ground control station. UAVs are currently employed in a variety of roles, including those of reconnaissance and attack. A UAV is defined as being powered by a jet or reciprocating engine and capable of controlled, sustained level flight for the purposes of this article and to distinguish them from missiles. Additionally, a cruise missile may be regarded as a UAV, but it is treated differently because the vehicle is the weapon .In some instances, the term "Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle System" (UAVS) has been added to the acronym "UAV." Because these intricate systems include ground stations and other components in addition to the actual airborne vehicles, the FAA has chosen the acronym "UAS" to reflect this