Unmanned Aircraft Systems delivers a much needed introduction to UAV System technology, taking an integrated approach that avoids compartmentalising the subject. Arranged in four sections, parts 1-3 examine the way in which various engineering disciplines affect the design, development and deployment of UAS. The fourth section assesses the future challenges and opportunities of UAS. Technological innovation and increasingly diverse applications are two key drivers of the rapid expansion of UAS technology. The global defence budget for UAS procurement is expanding, and in the future the market for civilian UAVs is expected to outmatch that of the military. Agriculture, meteorology, conservation and border control are just a few of the diverse areas in which UAVs are making a significant impact; the author addresses all of these applications, looking at the roles and technology behind both fixed wing and rotorcraft UAVs. Leading aeronautical consultant Reg Austin co-founded the Bristol International Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) conferences in 1979, which are now the longest-established UAS conferences worldwide. In addition, Austin has over 40 years' experience in the design and development of UAS. One of Austin's programmes, the "e;Sprite UAV System"e; has been deployed around the world and operated by day and night, in all weathers.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems delivers a much neededintroduction to UAV System technology, taking an integratedapproach that avoids compartmentalising the subject. Arranged infour sections, parts 1-3 examine the way in which variousengineering disciplines affect the design, development anddeployment of UAS. The fourth section assesses the futurechallenges and opportunities of UAS.Technological innovation and increasingly diverse applicationsare two key drivers of the rapid expansion of UAS technology. Theglobal defence budget for UAS procurement is expanding, and in thefuture the market for civilian UAVs is expected to outmatch that ofthe military. Agriculture, meteorology, conservation and bordercontrol are just a few of the diverse areas in which UAVs aremaking a significant impact; the author addresses all of theseapplications, looking at the roles and technology behind both fixedwing and rotorcraft UAVs.Leading aeronautical consultant Reg Austin co-founded theBristol International Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) conferences in1979, which are now the longest-established UAS conferencesworldwide. In addition, Austin has over 40 years' experience in thedesign and development of UAS. One of Austin's programmes, the"Sprite UAV System" has been deployed around the world and operatedby day and night, in all weathers.