Fundamentals of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Catalog description

This course provides engineering students an opportunity to be exposed to unmanned aerial systems. It covers the UAV classifications, definitions, standards and UAV-related aviation regulations. The course gives a basic understanding of working relationship between various subsystems employed in the unmanned aerial systems and industries. Topics includes a review of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground station, launch and recovery system, UAV operation, UAV applications, autopilot, electric system, mechanical system, transportation system, propulsion system, communication system, programming, software, sensors, measurement devices, safety issues, current/future challenges and future trends. The most important subsystem in a UAV compared with a manned aircraft is the autopilot, since there is no human in a RPV/UAV/UAS. Thus, the course emphasizes on the features of an autopilot. A few lab experiments will help students to experience the UAV flight operations. The course prepares students to be effective engineers in the highly dynamic and constantly evolving UAV industries. The UAS contemporary issues and features of current and modern UAS products are discussed.