Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are changing the way we approach business opportunities and challenges across the aviation industry. In this webinar we will examine the roots of this technology, examine current consumer systems, and explore exciting new developments shaping the industry.
The FAA estimates UAS registrations will grow to seven million in the next four years. That includes 4.3 million hobby aircraft and 2.7 million commercial aircraft. (International Business Times, March 15, 2016). Unmanned aircraft systems are not simply new toys. They are changing the way we do business.
2. Today’s Agenda
• Welcome and Introductions—Bill
Gibbs, Webinar Coordinator
• Presentation—Dr. Terwilliger, Prof.
Kleinke, Prof. Thirtyacre
• Questions and Answers
• Upcoming Webinars and Webinar Plus
Degree Briefing
Bill Gibbs
Director, Campus Outreach
Webinar Coordinator
3. Brent A. Terwilliger, Ph.D.
Program Chair, MS in Unmanned Systems
College of Aeronautics, ERAU-Worldwide
Stefan Kleinke
Program Chair, BS in Unmanned Systems Applications
College of Aeronautics, ERAU-Worldwide
David Thirtyacre
Chair, Dept. of Unmanned Flight Operations,
College of Aeronautics, ERAU-Worldwide
Presenters
5. • What is it?
– UAS, UAVs, RPAs
– Drones
– RC aircraft models
– System of systems
• Where did it come from?
• How has it changed?
– Not just for tactical
– Technology development ->
innovation
– Widespread availability
(affordable)
– Increasing education
UAS Technology
6. Tactical to Civilian Transition
• Civilian interest grew as technology
matured
• Military UAS inspired innovation in
civilian aircraft modeling field
• Hobbyist community grown
Increased availability
ARF, RTF, and BNF COTS are affordable
Decreased complexity
7. Tactical to Civilian Transition
• Military Technology
– Transformational
– Available to general public
• Civilian sUAS platforms
– Affect everyday citizens
– Wide-scale industry impact
• Used in number of areas
– Inspection
– Aerial filming
– Agriculture
8. • Accessibility/customizable
• Economically feasibility
– Academic institutions
– Businesses
• Software and drivers -> open source
– Allows user modification
– Reduces cost-overhead
– Spreads effort across larger population
• Contributors
Hobbyists (RC aircraft modeling)
DIY community
Crowdsourcing and funding
Tactical to Civilian Transition
9. • Contribution should not be
underestimated
– Hobby -> “Prosumer”
– Novel solutions/distribute cost
• Crowdsourcing proven to
Identify novel new concepts
Develop further capabilities/performance
• Example –> ArduPilot
• Results vary
– Rely on trial and error
– Numerous standardized alternative
processes
Tactical to Civilian Transition
10. Industries Supported
• Service providers
Communications (e.g., Facebook and Google)
Aviation services
Training and education
Consultation
• Industries
Defense
Agricultural
Resource exploration
Filming
Real estate
Insurance
Marketing
Communications
Emergency response
Construction
Government
11. • Precision Agriculture
– Data capture (on demand inspection)
– Application (aerial spraying)
• Public Safety and Services
– Emergency/disaster response
– Mapping, surveying, and inspection
– Security and law enforcement
• Aerial Photography
• Cargo Delivery/Transport
• Communications
• Conservation and Wildlife
• Weather Monitoring
• Technology Development
• Research
Applications
12. sUAS Designs
• Purpose: achieve controllable and sustained unmanned
flight in support of a specific application
– sUAS not limited by onboard support elements
– Size, weight, and complexity can be significantly reduced
• Common Configurations
– Fixed-wing
– VTOL
– Hybrids
– Electric
– Internal Combustion
13. UAS Regulatory Change
• Rapid civilian UAS growth
Potential impact UAS on National Airspace System
Realized need for control and regulation
• Regulatory steps taken
FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law
112-095)
Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA)/Section
333 Petition for (Grant of) Exemption
Designation of six UAS Test Sites
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the
Operation and Certification of sUAS
Presidential Memorandum
Designation of UAS Center of Excellence (ASSURE)
AC 91-57a (2015)
UAS Registration Requirements
Part 107 –operation and certification of sUAS (Aug 2016)
Wide-scale Integration of UAS into Global Airspace
14. • AC 91-57a (2015)
– Recreational/education use
– N/A for commercial operations
• UAS Registration
• FAA Part 107 certification and operation of sUAS
– 55lbs with N-number
– Limited ops: VLOS, daylight, <100mph,
<400ftAGL, class G (B-E requires ATC)
– Operator to pass knowledge exam (17yrs and
older, recurrent every 24mo, register with TSA)
• Other UAS approvals
– Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA)
– Section 333 Exemption
– Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC)
UAS Regulations/Laws
15. • UAS Growth
– Extend coverage and capabilities
– Lower risk and cost
– Leverage Knowledge, Skills, Abilities (KSA)s
– Entrepreneurial, manufacturing, and business
development
• Support Market
– Service, support, and maintenance
– Training and education
– Data capture and management
• Technology Transfer
– General/Business Aviation
– UTM/SAA technology
– Fuel/engine management systems
Business Opportunities
16. • FAA UAS Center of Excellence (ASSURE
)-Core
• Numerous UAS-specific pursuits
– Aerial Robotics Virtual Laboratory
– Small UAS Consumer Guide
– UAS application analysis framework and database
• Peer-reviewed pubs and
presentations
– AUVSI XPonential
– IITSEC
– Unmanned Systems Canada
– Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International
– International Conference on Control, Robotics, and
Cybernetics
– International Conference on Applied Human
Factors and Ergonomics
– Human-Computer Interaction International
ERAU UAS
17. • Significant part of sustained UAS growth
• Building experience
– Under inherent pressures
– Gain critical insight
– Increase familiarity
– Understand what sUAS can/cannot do
– Exhibit general flight dynamics, practice of
maneuvers, and development of motor
skills
– Available as free/open-source, limited
demonstration, or paid options
• Use highly recommended
Modeling and Simulation
18. • Market and opportunities
significantly expanding
– Business Development
– Analysis, Development, and
Engineering
– Assembly/Technician Positions
– Support
– Management
– Operations (including
operators/pilots)
• Opportunities growing:
2016 ERAU-Worldwide Unmanned Systems Related Career O
Career Opportunities
19. • Free public resource (download)
• Evaluate consumer multirotor
sUAS
– Novice Suitability
– Total System Performance
– Cost-effectiveness
• Define standard for comparison
– Quantitative
– Qualitative
• Recently developed into web-
resource: http://uasguide.erau.edu/
• Operational Test Plan
ERAU-W sUAS Consumer Guide
20. Public Education and Community-based Practices
•Know Before You Fly: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org
•AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code: https://
www.modelaircraft.org/files/105.pdf
•AMA Membership Manual:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/memanual.pdf
•AUVSI UAS Operations Industry Safety Code: http://
www.auvsi.org/content/conduct
•U.S Forest Service UAS Page:
http://www.fs.fed.us/science-technology/fire/unmanned-aircraft-systems
•NTIA Voluntary Best Practices for UAS Privacy, Transparency, and
Accountability: https://
www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/voluntary_best_practices_for_uas_pri
•NAAA UAV Safety Education Campaign:
http://www.agaviation.org/uavstuffers
UAS Resources
21. FAA UAS-related Information
•UAS page: https://www.faa.gov/uas/
•Model Aircraft Operations page: https://www.faa.gov/uas/model_aircraft/
•sUAS Registration Service page: https://registermyuas.faa.gov
Advocacy Organizations and Tools
•National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Aircraft Operations –
Unmanned Aircraft Systems: https://www.nbaa.org/ops/uas/
•AMA – What is the AMA?: http://www.modelaircraft.org/aboutama/whatisama.aspx
•Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) – Unmanned Aircraft Systems:
http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/Aircraft-Types/UAVs
•AUVSI – Who is AUVSI?: http://www.auvsi.org/home/learnmore
•FlightService 1800wxbrief: https://www.1800wxbrief.com/Website/#!/
•DIY-drones Discussion Forum: http:/diydrones.com/forum
•DRONElife.com Buy a Drone: http://dronelife.com/cms/product-filter
•specout Compare Drones: http://drones.specout.com
UAS Resources
22. Questions?
Brent A. Terwilliger, Ph.D.
Program Chair, MS in Unmanned Systems
College of Aeronautics, ERAU-Worldwide
email: terwillb@erau.edu
Stefan Kleinke
Program Chair, BS in Unmanned Systems Applications
College of Aeronautics,ERAU-Worldwide
email: Stefan.Kleinke@erau.edu
David Thirtyacre
Chair, Dept. of Unmanned Flight Operations,
College of Aeronautics,ERAU-Worldwide
email: david.Thirtyacre@erau.edu
23. Upcoming Webinars:
Nov. 17 Cyber Security: Problems and Solutions
Jan. 12 Airport Construction Risk Management and Safety
Feb. 9 The Continuing Search for Amelia Earhart
Mar. 9 Cross-Cultural Project Management
Apr. 13 10 Traits Every Leader Should Have
May 11 An Introduction to Human Factors in Aviation
Jun. 22 How to Create a Career Enhancement Toolkit
webinars.erau.edu
Hinweis der Redaktion
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are changing the way we approach business opportunities and challenges across the aviation industry. In this webinar we will examine the roots of this technology, examine current consumer systems, and explore exciting new developments shaping the industry. We will also discuss some of the actions ERAU has taken in this field to help you learn more about engaging with this rapidly changing technology.
UAS technology….What is it? There are a number of terms used to describe this evolving and transformative technology, from
Unmanned aircraft systems, UAS
Unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs
Remotely piloted aircraft, RPAs
Drones, and even
Remote control aircraft models that are used for recreation or hobby
UAS are a system of systems, a collection of unified elements that are focused around the operation of an aircraft without a pilot onboard in order to reduce or outright eliminate risk to humans
So where did this concepts come from? The idea of UAS as we know them today, were made possible by the work of early aeronautics and electro-mechanical pioneers, such as Otto Lilienthal, Samuel Langley, and Nicholai Tesla, who built small unmanned platforms to use in their testing and experimentation. Their work led others to develop platforms for use in wartime environments, such as the delivery of weapons and reconnaissance. UAS have really gained prominence in these roles over the last century (yes, this technology has been in the air for almost one-hundred years now) .
Well how has it changed in these last one-hundred years?
For one thing, UAS are no longer used just for military purposes; the technology has grown to encompass a much more significant place in our society.
As the underlying technology has been further developed and advanced, the ideas regarding how it can be used have also grown. This technological development has spurred innovation.
In 2012, Congress recognized the potential for this technology and took steps to ensure it could be safely and efficiently incorporated into the US National Airspace System with the passing of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Under the requirements of this legislation, the FAA has been working to define the processes to gain access to airspace for public and civil users. By 2035, there are anticipated to be 250,000 total UAS in operation in our Airspace System, which is why the FAA’s work into defining the operational rules is so critical.
We are just starting to see the realization of the growth of UAS as ever increasing numbers of affordable, small UAS, such as quadcopters and multirotors, are made available on the market. For example, Parrot, the maker of the A/R Drone and the new Bebop, has sold more than 750,000 aircraft since 2010.
We have also seen a rise in UAS education, from introductory STEM topics for K through 12, through to graduate degrees, such as Embry-Riddle’s Masters in Science in Unmanned Systems, and the development of small UAS pilot training programs. We are seeing the support side of this technology expand in connection to the growing and evolving industry of unmanned systems.
We have seen a substantial interest in the transition of military sUAS technology to civilian fields. Interest in this technology has grown as the underlying capability has matured. The capabilities observed through military use has inspired innovation in the civilian aircraft modeling field, where such capabilities are replicated and improved upon. Subsequently with the wider availability of technology, the hobbyist community has grown. Originally this technology appeared in the form of individually built kits, which were assembled, configured, and tuned by the user. However, now we see the availability of mass produced, completed systems as commercially-off-the-shelf or COTS options. These COTS options are typically available as almost ready to fly or ARF, ready to fly or RTF, and bind and fly or BNF, which require varying levels of setup and assembly. The price point of these options range from as low as $20 to more than $10,000. We have also seen a decreased in the mechanical complexity of components expected to be assembled by the user, including use of brushless motors and lithium batteries to supplant messy, complicated internal combustion engines, as well as stronger and more resilient foam and plastic airframes replacing weaker balsa wood.
Advances made with the development and refinement of military or government technology has been transformational to the underlying sUAS technology, finally becoming available to the general public. Civilian sUAS platforms featuring such technology as GPS, microcontrollers, and sensors now have the capability to affect everyday citizens up to wide-scale industry impact. This technology is being used, now, to assist across a number of areas.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Brushless-Motor-DUM60.jpg
Advances made with the development and refinement of military or government technology has been transformational to the underlying sUAS technology, finally becoming available to the general public. Civilian sUAS platforms featuring such technology as GPS, microcontrollers, and sensors now have the capability to affect everyday citizens up to wide-scale industry impact. This technology is being used, now, to assist across a number of areas to provide inspection, aerial filming and photography, and agriculture.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Brushless-Motor-DUM60.jpg
With the increased availability of technology, and completed COTS components, we have observed further benefits to developers. For example, electronic components have becomes significantly less expensive. Furthermore, the widespread availability makes affordable and cost-effective options available to users to perform experiments and advancements, with the identification and development of new platform designs. Platforms with an increasing level of sophistication and capability are now economically feasible for use by academic researchers, as well as entrepreneurs and businesses.
Another example of how this technology is evolving is apparent through the availability of open source software and drivers, which are used to control and process sUAS. Open source software supports user modification of hardware capabilities for individual or custom purposes. Use of open source options eliminates or reduces the cost overhead for one of the most expensive aspects of sUAS development and spreads the effort across a larger population. Contributors to the advancement of moderns sUAS technology include RC model aircraft hobbyists, the do it yourself or DIY community, and crowdsourcing and crowdfunding efforts, underway right now.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_5n7iG_XK-Q/hqdefault.jpg
The contribution of these parties should not be underestimated, as they have been able to achieve substantial gains in a very short amount of time. Under these types of efforts we have seen the transition of sUAS built specifically for hobby to consumer or professional grade, termed “Prosumer”
We have also seen the power of crowdfunding, which has supported development of novel solutions, while distributing cost and economic risk of investment. Crowdsourcing, has been proven to help identify novel new concepts, as well as support development of further capabilities and performance. One such example, is the ArduPilot project, which represents source code for popular Arduino-based unmanned system control systems. This software is available to support a wide range of COTS control options, with manufacturers able to leverage user DIY interest and a pre-developed code base to support their hardware products.
While there are definite benefits of crowdfunding and sourcing, the results are not always desirable. For example, some systems may never come to fruition or fully meet initial expectation. For crowdsourced options the end products are not as thoroughly tested or always certified. They rely on trial and error, which is multiplied across tens of thousands of users, to achieve their desired results. Alternatively, certified aviation parts are procedurally, quantitatively analyzed, tested, and certifiedbefore being made available to the public.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/94/ArduPilot_Mega_2.5.jpg
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zQbY36sTo70/maxresdefault.jpg
UAS have provided a pathway for businesses to market services, commonly referred to as “Drones as a service.” One example is the use of UAS to provide wide scale internet communications, which are currently being pursued by Facebook and Google. UAS technology has also created the need for peripheral support service providers, such as Aviation services, training and education, and consultation.
A number of industries are currently using UAS technology, including:
Defense
Agricultural
Resource exploration to search for oil, gas, metals, and minerals
Filming
Real estate
Insurance
Marketing
Communications
Emergency response
Construction
and Government (to support oversight, enforcement, and land use planning)
UAS are being used to support a large number of civilian ventures, from commercial enterprises to public services. Those with the most visibility, include precision agriculture to provide timely capture of aerial data, perform detailed inspection of crops and livestock, and apply pesticides and herbicides; public safety and services, to provide expedited response to emergencies and disaster sites, map, survey, and inspect infrastructure and land, and improve public safety and security. Other growing uses include aerial photography and videography; transport of cargo, such as medical supplies and goods; conservation, wildlife, and weather monitoring; development and testing of new technology; and the conduct of research.
As with manned aircraft, the purpose of a UAS is to achieve controllable and sustained flight in support of a specific application (task/purpose). However, unlike manned aircraft, design configurations of UAS are not limited by the requirement to include elements to support a pilot aboard the aircraft. Accordingly, the size, weight, and complexity can be significantly reduced; affording designers an opportunity to radically change the loadout and operational profiles of these platforms. Common configurations of UAS include fixed-wing platforms featuring use of a wing to generate lift; vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) designs capable of takeoff and recovery from a small area; hybrid designs that combine benefits of other configurations to address potential design limitations; all of these configurations can further be broken down into the type of propulsion system used; electric or internal combustion.
There has been substantial regulatory change surround the rapid growth of civilian UAS use
This is because the potential impact UAS may have on the U.S. National Airspace System has become apparent, from both the authority and general public perspectives
Civil aviation authorities realized need for control and regulation, as such they have taken steps to develop and begin implementing regulatory changes
These started with the release of policy and development of new laws, including the
Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the National Airspace System and the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-095)
In turn, this enabled the FAA to begin creation of an operational framework to support safe UAS operation, including creation of the
Certificates of Waiver or Authorization (COA) and Section 333 Petition for Exemptions, which provide a path for the FAA to review and approve proposed operations
Designation of six UAS Test Sites to better explore and understand potential safety and technological implications
In early 2015 two major components supporting expanded operations were released, the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the Operation and Certification of sUAS, which contains the proposed elements of Part 107 and the Presidential Memorandum: Promoting Economic Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The FAA also designated ASSURE, led by Mississippi State University as the UAS Center of Excellence, to begin funded research in collaboration with member Universities and industry partners to begin investigation of key areas, critical to the FAA’s UAS roadmap.
AC 91-57 from 1981 was also updated to AC 91-57a, to add further clarification regarding the designation of UAS and model aircraft as “aircraft” and identify critical parameters that must be met to ensure safety in the National Airspace System
Another significant change was the added requirement for recreational users of UAS between .55 to 55 pounds, to register with the FAA, prior to operation.
In June of 2016, a major shift was observed through the release of the Part 107 rules for the operation and certification of sUAS. This rule set provides a high degree of accommodation for users and establishes a clear operational certification process with the creation of the associated Remote Pilot in Command Certificate.
All of these efforts have begun to lead us towards wider-scale integration of UAS into Global Airspace
As potential operators in the shared aviation community it is essential to know the regulations that govern use of this technology. AC 91-57a is an advisory circular relating ONLY to recreational aeromodeling, not civil UAS operation; however, if you plan to conduct recreation flights, including non-training use in support of education, this FAA document outlines requirements for permissible use. Since UAS are classified as “aircraft” in the National Airspace System or NAS, they must also be registered; the FAA has provided a process for registration of both recreational and civil systems.
The FAA recently enacted the long awaited Part 107 rules for the certification and operation of small UAS. This ruleset covers the majority of civil uses, including those conducted by commercial users and civilian agencies. UAS in this category will be limited to those under 55lbs with a registered and displayed N-number. The operations will be limited to VLOS, during daylight, speeds less than 100MPH or 87knots, below 400ft AGL or within 400 feet from the top of a structure, and in class G airspace. Access will be possible for class B to E, with prior FAA ATC approval. To operate sUAS an operator will be at least 17years old, pass a knowledge examination every 24months, and register with the TSA (background check).
There are several further avenues that can be explored for gaining access to airspace using UAS not covered under Part 107. For public agencies, there is a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization or COA. For commercial or private, civil organizations there are Part 107 waivers, the section 333 exemption process, and Special Airworthiness Certificates. Each of these is subject to review and approval by the FAA and must identify a specific platform, use case description, safety plan, and steps associated with planned operations including identification and mitigation of potential risks.
The use of UAS is growing substantially and is expected to continue to grow under Part 107. This is due, in no small part to the ability of UAS to extend coverage and capabilities, while lower risk and cost; resulting in improved service, profitability, and enhanced safety. Currently, more than 2.5 million UAS are in operation in the U.S. National Airspace System, this number is expected to increase to seven million by 2020; commercial use is expected to increase from 600k to 2.7 million in that same period. UAS are also exhibiting that they can provide an effective method to leverage the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities or KSAs of current workforce in a new manner; further enabling change and effectiveness gains. They are also providing a new avenue for entrepreneurial pursuit, manufacturing, and business development.
The support market for UAS technology is also growing, with the introduction and appearance of companies focused on providing specific services to consumers, such as fleet management, maintenance, and application. Training and education is also growing, with a large number of colleges and universities now offering degree and professional programs to help educate the workforce and next generation of professionals. Big data will also have a part to play in the future role of UAS, with the vast amounts of data that are captured through overflight and research, requiring processing and export into usable formats.
We also can expect to see a significant amount of technology transfer from other sectors, such as general and business aviation, unmanned traffic management and sense and avoid technology; and the development of improved fuel or engine management systems being shared across these areas. As improvements and breakthroughs occur in one area, they will become readily available for incorporation into the others to achieve performance and efficiency gains, improved profitability, and enhanced safety.
FAA UAS Center of Excellence (ASSURE)-Core
Numerous UAS-specific pursuits
Aerial Robotics Virtual Laboratory
Small UAS Consumer Guide (student/faculty effort)
UAS application analysis framework and database (500 platforms)
Peer-reviewed pubs and presentations
AUVSI
IITSEC
Unmanned Systems Canada
Journal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International
International Conference on Control, Robotics, and Cybernetics
International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics
Human-Computer Interaction International
Embry Riddle is actively engaged as a stakeholder in this rapidly evolving field. We perform research and development, independently and through partnerships such as with the FAA’s UAS Center of Excellence, ASSURE. We also have a number of UAS-specific pursuits underway, including the development and incorporation of our Aerial Robotics Virtual Lab across our unmanned systems curriculum; the development and public release of the sUAS Consumer Guide; and the creation and use of our application analysis framework and database, which contains the operational flight parameters of more than 500 UAS.
The results of this and other research can be found in numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations, including those appearing at conferences, such as AUVSI Xponential, IITSEC, and Unmanned Systems Canada….
Modeling and simulation or M&S will play a significant part of the sustained growth of UAS technology, from development of new platforms to enhancing training options for new remote pilots. A number of tools are currently on the market, with new options being introduced.
Building experience prior to actually performing an application, under inherent pressures (environmental conditions, schedules, and pressing customer needs), as well as gaining critical insight regarding the handling characteristics and appropriate response maneuvers of a specific platform can prove to be invaluable to a remote pilot. Commercial off the shelf or COTS RC model aircraft simulators can help increase familiarity with types of airframes and their unique operational characteristics, while devices such as a “buddy box” enable a new remote pilot to fly under the guidance of a more experienced instructor. Understanding what sUAS can or cannot do, will help to define what applications can be undertaken with a specific platform.
While built for familiarization with RC hobbyist UAS (model aircraft), these software applications provide sufficient capability for exhibition of general flight dynamics, practice of maneuvers, and development of motor skills in realistic operational settings.
Such tools are available as free/open-source, limited demonstration, or paid options and include physics-based performance calculations, multiple platform models, and a variety of scenery/environments. Use of a simulator is highly recommended prior to purchase and operation of your first sUAS.
Career opportunities across the unmanned systems field are growing, and being led by the public interest in UAS technology. Opportunities range across a wide variety of areas, including:
Business Development
Analysis, Development, and Engineering
Assembly/Technician Positions
Support
Management
Operations (including operators/pilots)
The available pool of candidates also continues to grow, supported by expanded educational offerings, such as ERAU-W unmanned system degrees and training. Please see the 2016 ERAU-Worldwide Unmanned Systems Related Career Opportunities report for further details.
Our sUAS Consumer guide was developed to provide novice users with detailed guidance on selecting their first platform, using evidenced-based research. We created this free public resource, which can be downloaded online to evaluate popular consumer multirotor sUAS in accordance with three critical areas: 1) suitability for a novice, 2) total level of system performance, and 3) the potential cost-effectiveness of the platform.
Part of this process required the development and definition of a standard method to perform comparison, taking into account specific quantitative performance values and qualitative assessment. We recently created a website for the results of this project, which can be found at uasguide.erau.edu. You can also download a copy of our operational test plan document, to understand how we incorporated safety and risk management into our operational activities.