Textbook in PDF format

Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) are revolutionizing the way we explore our global environment. Whether it's to monitor severe weather events or used in a military operation, these machines and the components that operate them are changing the way we approach flight. In his book, Designing Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A Comprehensive Approach, Jay Gundlach investigates all elements of UAS design, including architectural options, and design drivers across diverse systems classes. As the most authoritative single reference on UAS design, the book provides readers a solid understanding of the end-to-end unmanned aircraft system and gain a deeper appreciation for the multidisciplinary nature of UAS design. Preface Acknowledgments Nomenclature Acronyms Overview of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Introduction Defining an Unmanned Aircraft Motivation for Employment of Unmanned Aircraft Distinction Between Manned and Unmanned Aircraft Moral, Ethical, and Legal Issues for UASs Brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Introduction to System Elements and Architectures References Problems Unmanned Aircraft Categories Introduction Micro Air Vehicles Small Unmanned Aircraft Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Medium-Altitude Long Endurance High-Altitude Long Endurance Ultra Long Endurance Uninhabited Combat Aerial Vehicles Manned Aircraft Conversions Air-Launched Unmanned Aircraft Targets Rotorcraft Other Vertical Takeoff and Landing Solar-Powered Aircraft Planetary Aircraft Lighter Than Air Research Unmanned Aircraft References Problems Initial Unmanned-Aircraft Sizing Introduction Simple Weight Relationships Flight Performance Simple Aerodynamics Methods Initial UA Sizing Process Examples References Problems Unmanned-Aircraft Geometry and Configurations Introduction Aircraft Geometry Relationships Configuration Drivers Wing System Configurations Tail Configurations Fuselage System Configurations Propulsion Integration Launch and Recovery System Integration Survivability Impacts on Configuration Transportability and Storage Impacts on Configuration In-Flight Reconfiguration Modularity and Airframe Growth Manufacturing Configuration Drivers Rotorcraft Configurations References Problems Aerodynamics Introduction Flight Regime Boundary Layers Coordinate Systems and Aerodynamic Coefficients Airfoils Three-Dimensional Lift Distribution Methods Pitching Moment Drag Miscellaneous Drag References Problems Mass Properties Introduction Mass Properties Throughout the Aircraft Life Cycle Conceptual Design Weight Estimation Methods Weight Management Weight Engineering of Other System Elements References Problems Structures Introduction Structural Concepts Materials Unmanned Aircraft Loads Shell Structure Analysis Wing Sizing Fuselage Analysis and Sizing Structures Manufacturing References Problems Propulsion Systems Introduction Propellers Reciprocating Engines Turbofans and Turbojets Turboshafts and Turboprops Electric Motors Batteries Fuel Cells Solar Power Hybrid Electric Pulsejets Rockets Gliders High-Altitude Propulsion Miscellaneous Propulsion Types References Problems Flight Performance Introduction Operating Environment Mission Profiles Constraint Analysis Flight Performance Analysis Reference Problems Avionics, Flight Software, and Subsystems Introduction Avionics Flight Software Subsystems References Problems Launch and Recovery Introduction Physics of UA Launch and Recovery Conventional Launch and Recovery Vertical Takeoff and Landing Rail Launchers Rocket Launch Air Launch Hand Launch Tensioned Line Launch Gun Launch Ground-Vehicle Launch Skid and Belly Recovery Net Recovery Cable-Assisted Recovery Parachutes Deep Stall UA Impact Attenuation Nonrecoverable Water Launch and Recovery Other Launch and Recovery Techniques References Problems Communication Systems Introduction Radio-Frequency Physics Elements of Communication Systems Link Budget Analysis Antennas Antenna Integration Communication System Types Modulation Techniques Interception, Detection, and Jamming RF Performance Simulation Line-of-Sight Communications Beyond Line-of-Sight Communications Frequency Management References Problems Physics of Remote Sensing and in Situ Measurement Introduction Electromagnetic Spectrum Characteristics Aerial Remote Sensing Optical Systems Radar Synthetic Aperture Radar Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) In Situ Measurements References Problems Missions and Payloads Introduction Military Missions Science and Research Missions Commercial and Civil Missions References Problems Mission Systems Integration Introduction Optical Payload Assembly Layout, Actuation, and Stabilization Sizing for Performance Field-of-Regard Requirements Payload Placement and UA Configuration for Field of Regard RF Payload Integration Airframe Mechanical Integration Imagery Products Software Integration Avionics and Power Interfaces Payload Data Management Ground Element Integration Payload Interface Control Payload Modularity References Problems Command, Control, Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination Introduction Control Element Functions and Personnel Roles Mission Planning and Execution Overview of Ground Element Types Portable Ground Control Stations Remote Viewing Terminals Launch and Recovery Elements Mission Control Elements Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) Hardware Training Interoperability References Problems Reliability, Maintainability, Supportability, and Transportability Introduction Reliability Availability Maintainability Supportability Footprint Logistics and Transportability Organization, Training, and Personnel Facilities System Responsiveness References Problems System Synthesis and Mission Effectiveness Introduction Balancing the System System Architecture Selection System Performance Metrics Operations Analysis Modeling Survivability Systems Engineering Optimization Design Environments References Problems Cost Analysis Introduction Cost Modeling Life-Cycle Cost Approach Program Influences on Cost UAS Cost Data Preacquisition Costs Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Cost Production Cost Operations Cost Commercial Development Services Contracts UAS Company Startups and Investments References Problems Product Definition and Requirements Development Introduction Market Surveys_and Competitive Analysis Customer Requirements Generation Developer Product Definition Government Acquisition References Problems Index Supporting Materials