unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are expected to show a significant increase in worldwide use in the near future. Unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) are powered, aerial vehicles that do not carry a human pilot, use aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, and may fly autonomously or be piloted remotely. The current... more Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are expected to show a significant increase in worldwide use in the near future. Unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV) are powered, aerial vehicles that do not carry a human pilot, use aerodynamic forces to provide vehicle lift, and may fly autonomously or be piloted remotely. The current state of the art in UAS is leading to the rapid development of applications to fill many diverse requirements.

UAS applications include such areas as agriculture, communications relays, aerial photography, mapping, emergency management, and scientific research. The safe operation of UAS outside segregated airspace requires addressing the same issues as manned aircraft, namely integration into the air traffic control system. The development of the UAS is based on recent technological advances in aviation, electronics, and metallurgy making the economics of UAS operations more favorable particularly for more repetitive, routine and long-haul duration applications.

This topic covers the latest news and information on unmanned aircrafts, including more commercial uses of the vehicles.