The future of UAS is a very broad topic with many opinions
that no one will know for sure until it happens, but is it already? We are
still in the early stages of what’s to come in terms of future UAS applications
and technologies similar to the early stages of the Jet age. Making the transition from piston-powered
engines to turbine engines was a huge leap comparable to replacing some current
day manned operations with unmanned platforms.
In order to progress into the future we must begin by setting precedents
now. An unprecedented example of an
unmanned platform application can be found in the October 2016 article “Airborne
Surveyor” in Aviation Week and will be summarized below.
Airborne surveying is nothing new. Aerial information of a location or region is
requested and the standard means is through manned flight. Manned flight for surveying is costly and
somewhat time consuming based on the equipment, aircraft, and software used. A recent issue came about when the FAA
reviewed obstacle clearance data for airports countrywide and determined that
tree growth had penetrated the maximum 20:1 approach slope stretching out from
the ends of many runways. Due to the
tree growth, some of these airports had to prohibit night operations based on
location. The current method for
inspecting such approach slopes involves a state safety inspector using a
clinometer and their unobstructed vision.
Obviously, this has many shortcomings in collecting such data and this
has been where aerial mapping surveys have filled the gap. The next problem becomes funding. The mapping surveying can cost $8,000 -
$10,000 per runway, involves a very difficult authorization process, and even
after the survey is complete it can take weeks to compile the data into a usable
form.
The solution seemed simple enough but had never attempted
before due to numerous regulations and safety issues. The South Carolina Aeronautics Commissions
simply proposed an unmanned aerial system.
The commission chose the SenseFly EBee RTK. A flying wing with a pusher prop, 37 in.
wingspan, 1.6 lb., snap together, hand launched UAV. A high definition camera payload attached to the
UAV that would allow for mapping and producing orthomosaics and 3D models with
incredible accuracy. The total cost of
the UAS along with GIS software was $50,000 but the business case showed that
the system would pay itself off in surveying just 5-6 airports. The part that came next was submitting a request
to the FAA to carry out the runway mapping with a UAS. Initially the FAA nearly stopped breathing
when they saw the request. Never before
had a drone been flown in the approach areas of public use airports. However, the FAA and SC commission worked it
out specifying clear operating rules. A
notice to airman was issued 48 hours in advance, line of sight control during
daylight hours, pilot and observer, and maximum altitude of 700 feet. Currently six airports have been completed
with each survey only taking 30 minutes and producing over 200 overlapping
photos all done in 3-4 flights. The
actual data can be processed overnight versus weeks with an accuracy of 4-6
inches. The process turned out to be
such a great success that eight other states have sent commissioners to South Carolina
to learn more. Last month the SC Aeronautics
team attended the NASAO’s annual convention and received the “Most Innovative
“award for 2016.
I feel that examples like this exhibit the future of UAS
here and now. Certainly, technologies
such as airframes, sensors, and control systems will advance and applications
for new ways to use unmanned platforms will become more creative and robust. However, none of that means anything if we don’t
equally push the boundaries regarding rules and regulations holding back the
full potential power of UAS now. Showing
what was thought to be impossible, possible, further solidifies the future of UAS.
References
Garvey, W. (2016, October). Airborne Surveyor: A tiny, winged tool to help
keep airplanes out of trees, Aviation Week & Space Technology, Volume
178(Issue 20). Pp. 14
