UAS Mishaps and Human Factors

As with any technology that rapidly proliferates such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the mishap and accident rate can appear to be rather high. They can be corrected and reduced through training and the refinement of the control interface with the identification of the human factors issues that are the most probable cause. It is […]

UAS and Manned Aircraft Autonomy

Although operating on similar principals, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and manned aircraft operate on different levels of autonomy depending on their intended purpose. Automation varies by the level of decision-making ability of the controlling logic. The rankings of autonomy are on a scale developed by the National Institute of Standards and technology and range from […]

OTC Medications and UAS Operations

Over the counter (OTC) medications are available in a variety of formulas that allow the general public to treat common ailments without going to a doctor. These can range from seasonal allergies, the common cold, pain relief, and digestive issues. It is inevitable that these medicines, although deemed safe in the correct dosage, still have […]

Aviation Decision Making for UAS

Decision making for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is similar to manned aircraft but the consequences of the actions are different as the operator is not aboard the craft. This requires more forethought by the pilot and to ensure they do not intentionally violate any of the rules required for operating a UAS. The most significant […]

Urban Air Mobility Integration into the National Airspace System

The latest advances in air travel are centered around urban air mobility (UAM) and the use of autonomous air taxis for rapid travel within densely populated cities. This presents several problems that must be overcome, the foremost being the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system (NAS). The use of these […]

A New Users Perspective of ERAU’s Hub UAV Simulator

Unmanned aero systems are being developed at a rapid pace, this short development cycle can lead to human factors issues that may not be revealed until the unit enters service. To identify these issues early, simulation is the key. Embry’s Hub, an unmanned platform simulator, introduces the new user to the complexities of operating these […]

UAS HUMAN FACTORS

As technology advances, those that maintain and service them must be prepared for it, unmanned systems are proliferating and performing tasks that have historically been accomplished by humans. This blog serves as a repository of my work as I pursue my masters in unmanned systems. Perhaps one of the areas that requires the most research […]

Hybrid Power System for a Lighter Than Air Unmanned Vehicle

Abstract The following research investigates the use of multiple power sources for an unmanned blimp for extended operations. A blimp is unique for a long endurance platform as it does not require propulsion to remain aloft. Therefore, it fills a niche in low to medium altitude long endurance unmanned air vehicles. This ability can be […]

Investigating the use of Cellular Networks to act as a Distributed Command and Control of Unmanned Package Delivery Systems

Abstract The use of automated and unmanned package delivery systems is expanding in both the air and ground domains. Developing a separate infrastructure that can control them both is challenging and cost-prohibitive. This paper investigates the possibility of using established cellular networks to act as a pseudo-independent command and control system linked to a central […]

Identification Friend or Foe for Ground Forces

Abstract There is no doubt that autonomous armed combat platforms will be integrated into the ground forces of the world armies. The problem becomes how to identify friendly forces that will work in conjunction with the armed units to act as a force multiplier and to prevent identification counterfeiting by the opposing forces. This paper […]