UAV vs FPV

[RC-Wings]

Hello,

I am trying to understand the Semantics between UAV and FPV, as related to RC airplanes.


I understand a UAV is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Used extensively for reconesence and air strikes (Preditor) in the military.

I know FPV is First Person Video piloting where you basically fly the plane from the ground via a first person view from a video downlink.


Is the plane that you are flying FPV considered a UAV in this hobby?


Or isn't only considered a UAV when the RC plane if flying autonomous via GPS etc?



I would appreciate if you guys could set me straight on the semanitcs.

ie. UAV vs FPV

One in the same? Two different animals?

Thanks,

RC-Wings

[patrickegan]

I think they could be both depending upon capabilities. The Raven, Wasp, Bat, for example use a downward facing view (survey the ground), but can be programmed to fly to waypoints and have stability aids. Most hobby FPV’ers simulate the view from the cockpit. All are considered sUAS

[RC-Wings]

I have been working on a webpage promoting RC airplanes for the past year. It's a lot of fun, and it feels good to help people learn the basics.

I want to write a page or two about FPV, and UAV. Nothing really detailed, just something to go over the basics and provide links to pages such as this that has much more detail and support than I could every provide.


I want to write a page that describes UAV's in general, you know the "Real" ones. :p Hope I don't get flamed for that one, lol.


Thne I want to tie it in with FPV and hobby grade DYI UAV's.

My plan is to have a page dedicated to introducing FPV, then maybe another page for RC planes that fly autonomous via GPS etc?

I haven't done either myself, at least not yet anyway. I have been researching it quite a bit so I can provide my visitors the most accurate and up to date info.


I just wasn't sure if both types were considered UAVs or only RC planes flying autonomously were considered UAV's?

Technically any RC airplane is an "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle". So its a mater of semantics with the folks like yourselves who are in the know.

Or perhaps I am just worrying too much over a silly detail. I just try to do my best to provide the best and most accurate info as possible to my readers. And since I have no real first hand experience, it makes it a bit more difficult.

From reading this forum and doing research for my RC Aerial Photography page (http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/rc-aerial-photography.html), I am under the impression that you take care of the RCAPA site, so I do appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks!

[patrickegan]

I don’t really do anything with the website(s), except for posting in the (finally back online), forum and writing stories relevant to the airspace integration effort posted on the Reporter. Whatever I can do to help, just let me know. P

[alpinex]

This is how I understand it:

UAV - Has some level of autonomy to it. You can pre-program waypoints and the vehicle will fly to the points. You do not necessarily need to be in radio contact with the vehicle at all times. The vehicle is smart enough to take care of itself when it leaves your control range. You could program it to fly to a certain point, take pictures, and then return.

FPV - You have radio contact with the vehicle at all times. You have a video feed and radio control link to the aircraft at all times (under normal flying conditions).

There is definitely some cross-over between FPV and UAV. This is not to say that a UAV cannot have a live video feed and control (most do). Many "FPV" planes have RTH (return to home) functionality that point the plane to the launch point in the event of loss of control signal. Technically, both "FPV" and "UAV" model aircraft are UAVs in the strict definition.