Potential Civil Applications
The suitability of UAVs in “dull, dirty and dangerous” missions, the increasing success of
UAVs in service and demonstration, the increases in payload capability of more recent
Many technology forecasting publications have cited a wide range of applications that
include UAVs taking on new missions, replacing the methods for existing missions and
adding a new dimension to existing missions. Examples of these missions include:
• Border & Costal Patrol and Monitoring
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement & Disaster Operations
• Digital Mapping & Planning/Land Management
• Search & Rescue
• Fire Detection and Firefighting Management
• Communications and Broadcast Services
• Precision Agriculture and Fisheries
• Ground Transportation Monitoring and Control
• Satellite Augmentation Systems
• Air Traffic Control Support
• Power Transmission line Monitoring
• Environmental Research & Air Quality Management/Control
Major civil and commercial market barriers include:
• Lack of airspace regulation that covers all types of UAV systems (encompassing
‘sense and avoid’, airspace integration and airworthiness issues)
• Affordability - price and customization issues (e.g. commercial off-the-shelf, open
modular architecture)
• Efforts to establish joint customer requirements
• Liability for civil operation
• Capacity for payload flexibility
• Sensor technology and miniaturization
• Lack of secure non-military frequency for civil operation
• Perceived reliability (e.g. vehicle attrition rate vs. manned aircraft)
• Operator training issues
• Recognition/customer perception
• Technology developments for multi-mission capability
• International barriers for use
Bookmarks