Whats the difference between a UAV and a model airplane?

[JetPlaneFlyer]

As the subject line says... what's the difference?

I read some place that a UAV was a unmanned aircraft that performed a 'job of work' other than recreational. Is this the way you guys see it?

Steve

[kd7ost]

I think it depends on who you ask. I don't think it’s always that clear. I mean in a literal sense. Throw a Frisbee and it's an aerial vehicle at the time of flight that is unmanned. However the distinction should be made for controlled flight not just a thrown projectile. I would say most guys would be comfortable with your description but you still have to limit it. Putting a GPS and guidance package on board a model plane, flying it off autonomously beyond you ability to see, hear or control it just for recreation and it won't likely be looked at as a model plane any more.

I think the AMA reg's probably come closest to defining what a model plane is.

Dan

[zlite]

I'd say that UAVs have to have the ability for autonomous navigation, whether it's used or not. And I agree that the potential to do useful work should be part of the definition.

[JetPlaneFlyer]

I'd say that UAVs have to have the ability for autonomous navigation, whether it's used or not. And I agree that the potential to do useful work should be part of the definition.
I'd say you have to be pretty careful about putting in a 'autonomous flight capability' into the definition... The Mosquito 1 (http://www.defense-update.com/products/m/mosquito.htm) which most people would I imagine consider to be a 'genuine' UAV would be ruled out if this was a criteria.


Steve

[zik]

I think what we call UAVs here is different from what the rest of the world calls UAVs. By definition radio controlled model planes are UAVs - they're unmanned aerial vehicles. Most commercial UAVs are usually radio controlled by a human operator so they're very similar.

What we call UAVs here really refers to autonomous or semi autonomous flight. Some commercial UAVs do that, some don't. I occasionally refer to my own work as "autonomous planes" to avoid this confusion.

But in the end we know what we're talking about even if it is confusing!

[macboffin]

The AMA, BMFA, MAAC etc consider any unmanned aircraft intended to operate part or all of the time beyond the vision of the operator as a UAV.
I don't think size comes into it ; there are six inch span UAVs, and some pushing two hundred feet span.(Boeing Condor, Helios, Global Hawk etc.)

[patrickegan]

The FAA lumps it all into the definition of any aircraft without a pilot is a UA, any UA flying for profit is a UAV/UAS. It should be interesting to see how this shakes out with sponsored RC pilots, for profit competitions and various research projects.

[Tom Harper]

I think the definition is difficult, if not impossible.

A definiton could easily snag FAI free flights as UAVs. They are high altitude; have auto engine control; have automated rudder and flaps; are capable of out of sight operation; some have telemetry contact with the ground. But, not really UAVs.

I think you know one when you see one.

The sad thing here is that the US needs a base of UAV literate students and engineers. It is counter productive for the state to dampen the learning process.

Tom