INTRODUCTION TO UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

Description

It is our pleasure to present this first edition of Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems. It is well understood that the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) industry is highly dynamic and constantly evolving with the advancement of science and technological enablement. As such, the aim of this text is to identify and survey the fundamentals of UAS operations, which will serve as either a basic orientation to UAS or as a foundation for further study. This contributed work targets introductory collegiate courses in UASs and was birthed out of an unsuccessful search for suitable texts for such a course. The chapters have been individually contributed by some of the nation’s foremost experts in UAS operations at the collegiate level; therefore, the reader may note some variation in writing style. It was decided to leave the contributions in this form in the interest of preserving the author’s intent, thereby improving the quality of information contained herein. This text is written from a nonengineering, civilian, operational perspective aimed at those who will operate or employ UASs for a variety of future missions.