Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are an emerging technology that has changed how industries, agencies, and governments collect data efficiently and economically. Compared to the piloted system, the UAS platforms can be operated remotely and offer enhanced personnel safety.
The modern UAS platforms combine advanced features like sophisticated sensors, artificial intelligence, edge computing, and mission-critical payloads.
Thanks to the ongoing innovation in this segment, unmanned aerial systems are no longer futuristic concepts. Still, they are integral tools driving efficiency, safety, and innovation for the Indian and global B2B/B2G ecosystems.
What Are Unmanned Aerial Systems?
Before diving deeper into the technicalities, it is important to understand the difference between UAV and UAS. The definitions below are important as they offer a better understanding of the depth and versatility of UAS applications.
At its core, a UAV is a pilotless aircraft that is remotely controlled or can fly autonomously to complete its missions.
When talking about Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), it refers to the aircraft only; however, the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) includes the ground control center software that manages the operation, secured data links, along with the unmanned aircraft.
Types of UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems)
Fixed-wing UAS:
As the name suggests, fixed-wing UAS is a plane-like aircraft that promises long range and long flying hours. Like airplanes, fixed-wing UAS need a runway-like platform to take off or land, but are perfect for mapping and surveillance operations.
Rotary-wing UAS:
Commonly known as quadcopters, rotary-wing UAS are versatile and agile aircraft capable of vertical take-offs and landings. This design is best suited for short-range operations like monitoring and tracking, as it can hover over a target easily.
Hybrid UAS:
Hybrid UAS is designed to offer the best features of fixed-wing and rotary-wing UAS. They can offer long-range endurance yet are highly agile.
Key Sectors Benefiting from UAS
Versatility and modularity are the biggest highlights of UAS platforms. They can be fitted with sensors and payloads based on project or operational requirements, making it easy for UAS to be deployed in several sectors and industries.
Defense and Homeland Security:
Military Unmanned Aerial Systems are deployed in several operations like Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), combat, and more. They are used to gather and deliver real-time situational awareness, precise target acquisition, and gain tactical advantage without exposing defense personnel to risk.
Agriculture:
UAS drones play an important role in precision agriculture as they are used for crop health monitoring, precision pesticide application, and forecasting yield. Thanks to sensors like infrared and multispectral sensors, UAS are revolutionizing farm management and enabling data-driven decision making.
Mining:
UAS can perform volumetric estimation, 3D mapping, and terrain modelling effectively and efficiently. While they improve operational safety, integrating UAS into mining drastically reduces survey time.
Infrastructure:
UAV integration in infrastructure enables real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance of critically important infrastructure like buildings, structures, bridges, railway and power lines, and others.
Smart Cities:
Real-time aerial intelligence from UAS platforms is extremely useful in traffic monitoring, managing crowds at events, and executing emergency rescue operations.
UAS in Defense and Homeland Security
Defense UAS solutions offer various tactical benefits, like conducting covert operations, conducting persistent surveillance, and precision targeting without risking human life. Military unmanned aerial systems are also known for features like real-time data collection, secure data transmission, and their ability to autonomously navigate to the target locations.
ideaForge’s defense-grade UAV platforms are designed to cater to the needs of its customers, including armed forces and homeland security agencies. These battle-hardened, all-weather UAVs are capable of quick deployments and known for reliable performance in adverse climates.
Enterprise Applications of UAS
Apart from defense, UAS platforms offer cutting-edge technology tailored to meet the demands of large-scale commercial setups. These UAVs are designed to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability, along with several customization options, making them perfect for handling industry-specific tasks like mapping, asset management, infrastructure monitoring, maintenance, etc.
These UAVs are deployed by several public sector enterprises like railways, electricity boards, smart-city organisations, disaster management agencies, and more to monitor important assets and manage incident response.
UAS Deployment Models: From Ownership to DaaS
Organizations looking to integrate UAS into their workflows have several deployment options, including outright ownership to Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS). At the same time, the outright purchase is a capital expenditure that requires a substantial investment in procuring UAVs.
DaaS is a flexible solution that allows organisations to deploy cutting-edge technology and expert pilots. This scalable solution can be modified based on the requirement and has a recurring monthly subscription.
ideaForge offers DaaS solutions to help organisations leverage advanced UAS capabilities, including drones, trained pilots, AI-enabled analytics, and more at a fraction of the cost.
Why ideaForge is the Preferred UAS Partner
ideaForge is the maker of high-performance unmanned aerial systems that are deployed all across the globe by over 400 clients. Its MIL-STD tested UAVs are custom-designed to withstand rugged terrains and demanding environments, offering reliable performance.
ideaForge’s UAS platforms are compliant with the latest regulatory norms. This adherence to compliance and regulatory policies guarantees its customers that it operates legally and responsibly within the country’s airspace.
Since ideaForge has in-house R&D capabilities and owns the core intellectual property, it allows the company to innovate and develop cutting-edge UAV technology for its clients. FLYGHTCLOUD, ideaForge’s scalable cloud and AI-based platform offering unmatched performance, reliability, and value, further enhances the value proposition for its clients.
Conclusion
Unmanned Aerial Systems are no longer a fancy tech-enabled ecosystem but are revolutionising operations across critically important sectors like defence, industries, infrastructure, and more. It enables smarter, faster, and safer decision-making while collecting valuable data and automating tasks.
ideaForge is leading this revolution by creating innovative UAV systems that are custom-made to meet the requirements of its customers. As UAS technology advances, it will become the enabler of smarter, faster decision-making while shaping the future of various industries.
Frequently Asked Questions About UAS
Q. What distinguishes a UAV from a UAS?
A. While UAV is the singular unmanned drone, UAS is an umbrella term encompassing UAV, the software, the on-ground personnel, and the drone’s system.
Q. How are unmanned aerial systems used in military operations?
UAS are commonly used for ISR operations on the battlefield. However, they do play a role in combat warfare.
Q. What is the average range and endurance of a commercial UAS?
The range and endurance depend on the payload, design, and intended usage. A commercial UAV can offer flight durations of 30 minutes to several hours.
Q. Can ideaForge UAS operate in extreme weather conditions?
Yes, IdeaForge UAS are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and climates. These UAVs can operate at high altitudes in unfavourable conditions, yet they offer reliable performance.
Q. What are the advantages of DaaS (Drone-as-a-Service) for government agencies?
DaaS allows access to the latest UAS technology, including UAVs, software, trained pilots, and more, without an upfront capital investment. This solution is scalable and on-demand and can be deployed immediately.
