What's a UAV?

[Paranoia]

What's the difference between an UAV and an RC plane/Heli; Besides expensive RC controls?

[kd7ost]

I think there are several different ways to define it. As far as future US regulation, I think the cutover point will be whether it is flown as an RC model in compliance with all US rules and laws for recreation, or whether it is for commercial applications.

Outside that from the hobby perspective, once you do certain things the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) doesn't approve of it's a UAV. Specifically this is flying by video link, using GPS interfaced with other autonomous systems so the aircraft will "self fly" and things of that nature.

As far as literal definition of the acronym UAV, heck a Frisbee is an unmanned Air vehicle. But that’s a stretch. It's really meant to encompass powered type vehicles that can be controlled while in flight. Hobby RC flying is a pilot standing there, watching the air vehicle and manually maneuvering it for a hobby or sport in compliance with local rules. Shortly past that, it's considered a UAV by most definitions.

Dan

[LukeZ]

Dan's right about the federal, AMA, etc... definitions. But for a working definition what I like to use is Unmanned Autonomous Vehicles - the main adjective being autonomous. In fact I kind of wish this forum had been named that instead Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (we've already had a post about autonomous boats - which I think is great). What makes a UAV to me is its ability to pilot itself through the use of some kind of onboard inteligence, apart from any active human involvement, either for a portion of the flight or the entirety of the flight. This clearly distinguishes it from typical RC aircraft.

Remotely-piloted vehicles (RPVs) also get lumped in with UAVs a lot, and for some purposes that's ok. But again, at least for a working definition, it seems their defining characteristic is that you don't have to see them with the naked eyeball to fly them, but rather you can pilot them through a video link. But that doesn't imply any autonomous ability.

Of course, there's lots of UAVs that are also RPVs all in one. The lines certainly aren't always distinct.


Luke

[Paranoia]

So basical a UAV is a flying device that has an Auto pilot function and can be controlled at long ranges, outside of visual range.

[kd7ost]

That’s an accurate statement but it’s not all encompassing. A UAV might not be capable of Auto pilot or long range. A UAV can, and in many circles is, also simply flying your slow stick via consumer grade RC system with a video camera on-board while looking at a monitor. (Under the hood) A UAV might be remotely piloted or autonomous. It might need stick and rudder skills or just point and click with a mouse. A UAV in the future will probably fall under FAA regulation while being nothing more than a consumer grade camera taped to a slow stick while you shoot pictures for hire in a local neighborhood or business district or wherever. I think they just want to make sure everyone is aware of air space classification and where not to go or what to do. It's not likely going to have any effect on the SS pilots at the park shooting pix for fun if you’re flying it like a model plane.

This might even mean that a predator being flown like an RC plane while the pilot simply looks at it and stays in range of commercial grade RC equipment might not be described as a UAV during that flight. Although it would exceed the 55 pound weight limit imposed by AMA so you can't fly it at an AMA site. (This is just an example. Maybe the Predator takes up too much flying space to fit inside a visual ops mode but you get the idea) An Aerosonde would be a better example of this.

I think we're all generally safe even flying under the hood as long as we stay inside Visual flight rules. Like I said though, the AMA won't sanction that so we go find our own places to fly away from AMA sanctioned clubs.

Also please bear in mind. I am not an authority on this. I’ve just talked to a lot of different folks in different groups and this is the sense I get. I do think it's less about the vehicle capabilities and more about what you're doing and how you're doing it.

Dan

[Paranoia]

Well, that explains it.

I have some mini video system and a number of planes that could carry it, but I’ve always been unsure of the rules and limits so I’ve never flown it. Maybe I should give it a go....

[Myron]

Hey Guys,

Also one thing to consider is that it appears that Uncle Sam is changing the "buzz word" or acronym of UAV(unmanned ariel vehicle) to UAS(Unmanned Autonomus System) to better encompass the huge range of vehicles that will be used in the future.. As mentioned before, Boats and many track like vehicles are being developed.. I was reading an article the other day how the army was testing a "catepillar" like vehicle to search the rubble of the WTC.. It was an interesting system that had I think 3 sections and independant drive systems that allowed it to snake its way deep into the rubble.. It was equipped with cameras and listening devices.. Very cool stuff!!!

Myron

[kd7ost]

Myron is correct,

The ASTM F-38 committee actually voted on this in Reno at the meeting last month. They changed the term to UAS after a show of hands. Most of us in attendance supported it. The aircraft by itself is still a UAV but regulation needs to cover software, ground stations, Radio links etc. The new term UAS, with the S denoting "systems", is there to cover those other aspects for the regulatory process.

Dan