A drone is an unmanned aircraft. Drones are more formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems. Essentially, a drone is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans in its embedded systems, that work in conjunction with onboard sensors and a global positioning system (GPS).
UAVs were most often associated with the military. They were initially used for anti-aircraft target practice, intelligence gathering and, more controversially, as weapons platforms. Drones are now also used in a range of civilian roles.
Originally developed for the military and aerospace industries, drones have found their way into the mainstream because of the enhanced levels of safety and efficiency they bring. These robotic UAVs operate without a pilot on board and with different levels of autonomy. A drone's autonomy level can range from remotely piloted (a human controls its movements) to advanced autonomy, which means that it relies on a system of sensors and LIDAR detectors to calculate its movement.
How do drones work?
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Drones are commonly referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)whereas the entire system that allows a drone to function is a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System.) The UAV is the heart of the UAS and possesses fixed wings or either a single or multi-rotary build for flight. Lighter-than-air UAVs, such as blimps and balloons, and small “Flapping Wing” UAVs also exist.
Ground Control Station (GCS)
Ground Control Stations are the central control unit that allows a UAV to fly and a UAS to operate. These stations can be as large as a desk with multiple views to as small as a handheld controller or even an app. The GCS can be user controlled or operated via satellites and is capable of controlling flight, controlling payload sensors, providing status readouts, mission planning and tethering the data link system.
Payloads
Drones, UAVs specifically, come in a variety of sizes and are capable of carrying payloads of equally variable sized payloads. From life saving medication to packages and more, drones provide an efficient method of delivery but must be built to handle the job at hand. Many drones are capable of rapid flight across oceans while others may be restricted to just a few thousand feet. Some drones may be capable of carrying hundreds of pounds while others can only manage under ten. It is crucial for operators to choose the right drone to help them complete the job at hand.
Data Links
Data Links act as the transmission center that allow the drone to communicate with the ground operator while in flight. Typically utilizing radio frequency technology to communicate, the data link provides the operator with crucial data like remaining flight time, distance from the operator, distance from target, airspeed altitude and more. UAV control at 2.4 GHz for control and 5 GHz for video will provide the operator with approximately four miles of usability, while frequencies of 900 MHz for flight control and 1.3 GHz for video control can provide more than 20 miles of usability — adding to the list of reasons why pilots must use the right UAS for the task they mean to achieve.
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