Terrain imperatives for Mini unmanned aircraft systems applications
International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems
ISSN: 2049-6427
Article publication date: 20 January 2021
Issue publication date: 22 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Amongst all classes of unmanned aircraft system (UAS), the rise of the Mini UAS class is the most dominant. Mini UASs are field-deployable systems and hence are not expected to operate from a runway. Therefore, the operating terrain plays an important role in the deployment and employment of the Mini UAS. However, there is limited published work in this area. The impact of terrain is more critical for military applications than civilian applications. The purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of various types of terrain on the employment and deployment of Mini UAS.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper explores the implications of various types of terrain on the employment and deployment of Mini UAS.
Findings
Mini UAS with field deployable requirements is often launched within the tactical battle area in case of military applications or in close proximity to the intended target area for civilian applications. Due to the size and weight of the Mini UAS, launch and recovery becomes an important factor to be considered. Rotary wing or fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing configuration UAS overcomes the limitations of Mini UAS and hence it is the preferred option. Impact of the terrain is significantly higher for military applications as compared to civil applications. Mountain terrain is the most challenging for Mini UAS operations.
Practical implications
This paper will help the designers configure the UAS as per the operating terrain.
Originality/value
Terrain affects the deployment and employment of Mini UAS and the capabilities of the system with respect to terrain in which it is expected to operate must be considered during the design of a Mini UAS. The paper will help the designers configure the UAS as per the operating terrain.
Keywords
Citation
Ramesh, P.S. and Muruga Lal Jeyan, J.V. (2022), "Terrain imperatives for Mini unmanned aircraft systems applications", International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 302-315. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJIUS-09-2020-0044
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited