An Overview of Human Factor Considerations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems / Unmanned Aerial vehicles

Table of Contents

Abstract3

Introduction4

Discussion5

A Brief History of UAVs/UASs6

Human Factor Considerations7

Level of Automation12

Endurance16

Sensing Capabilities18

Robustness of Communication Systems20

Different Applications of UAVs21

Remote sensing21

Transport21

Military Attacks22

Scientific Research22

Surveillance22

Hydrocarbon Exploration23

Search and Rescue23

Fire Detection and Fighting24

Licenses/Personal Training In the Future for UAV/UAS Pilots24

Sharing of Airspace between the UAVs/UASs and Commercial Aircrafts25

Conclusion26

References28

Abstract

In this research paper, an attempt is made to explore the human factor considerations associated with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). The main focus of this research paper is on “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Unmanned Aerial Systems” and their application in aviation. The research also analyzes many aspects of human factor considerations of UAVs and UASs and attempts to gauge their effect on modern aviation and aeronautics. Both UAVs and UASs have become quite common in the world and their use is on the up as the time is progressing.

An Overview of Human Factor Considerations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems / Unmanned Aerial vehicles

Introduction

In the modern world, science and technology are coming up with inventions that are not only sophisticated but are very much useful as well. These inventions have proved to provide convenience to their users. As in all domains of science and technology, aviation has also benefitted a lot from the development in science and technology. The invention of airplane itself is considered as one of the most remarkable achievements of technology. Before its invention, covering even a small distance had been a cumbersome task. However, with the emergence of aircrafts, distances started to be reduced such that great distances can now be covered within hours.

Development in the field of aviation had been continuously in progress since its beginning. With the passage of time, aircrafts have been improved from all perspectives including safety and convenience as the most prominent ones. This development in the aviation and the aeronautical industry led to the invention of modern aircrafts that are equipped with sophisticated electronic equipment that allow them to be auto piloted.

One of the most recent developments in the aviation industry is the introduction and development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are aircrafts that are unmanned, i.e. there is no pilot on board. These are auto piloted by the installed computer systems or are controlled from a remote ground station through wireless connectivity (Base, 2000). Unmanned aerial systems are the systems that are the required for the proper operation of UAVs. UAVs have been developed intensively since modern times along with the required UASs. There use has made a lot of cumbersome tasks quite simple in performing. These are used in a number of areas, mainly including applications where presence of pilot in the aircraft may pose a threat to his life.

Since UAVs are unmanned, it is compulsory to consider the human factors associated with them. In both cases, i.e. autopilot or control from a remote location, it should be kept in mind that no pilot is present inside the aircraft and therefore provisions ...