DEVELOPING OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CIVIL UAV SYSTEM OPERATIONS A challenge for the total system

摘要

The development of operational requirements is the first step in uncovering the technical and infrastructure challenges for the development of civil UAV systems. During requirement capture, many potential customers will already have some knowledge of the benefits of manned aviation in their industry. For them the challenge is probably to do what they already do, more effectively and cheaper. There is also a class of potential customer whom a UAV system provides what was previously unachievable. Unconstrained by human frailty and endurance, UAV systems can take on completely new roles. These will definitely present technical challenges but the infrastructure challenge is the most critical to growth for the UAV industry. Legislation, certification, air traffic and telecommunications issues must all be recognised as constraints in the operational requirements put forward. The major concern underlying these constraints has mainly been centred on the risks to third parties in the event of a failure. However there are many built-in assumptions about how UAVs should operate which are still largely based on either pilot or air traffic controller perspectives. The full potential of UAV systems needs a wider systems approach to be adopted by all those involved. By building this into the next generation of operational requirements now, the first steps can be taken to pave the way for eventual operational success.