Accelerating Autonomous Flight

摘要

First there were drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). And then, more grandly, there came unmanned aerial systems (UASes), which encompass the entire package needed to operate a UAV, including the aircraft itself, the ground control station, cameras, navigation sensors, software, training and skills needed, and tools required for maintenance.UAVs are already a key element serving niches poorly or ill-suited for traditional aircraft. These applications include medical logistics; property and railway infrastructure management; airport, power line, structure and power plant inspections; newsgather-ing and outdoor videography; forest fire management; and many more. On the near horizon, widespread package delivery and air-taxi businesses will likely expand beyond their current trials in various locations around the world.Until recently, most civilian UAVs were small (under 55 1b.) devices operated by an individual using a handheld device or cellphone equipped with software to control the drone and capture and transmit images and data to the operator. You can buy recreational drones that meet this definition almost anywhere. Drone clubs are springing up worldwide and evolving into a fascinating, unique competitive genre of its own.