Small UAV: The Emerging Role of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Commercial Applications
Small UAV Small but Mighty: An Overview of sUAV Technology Small unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly referred to as sUAVs or drones, are unmanned aircraft that have a takeoff weight of less than 55 pounds. While their size may be relatively diminutive compared to larger UAVs, sUAVs pack advanced technologies that enable them to serve an increasingly wide range of commercial applications. Some key technological capabilities of modern sUAVs include advanced autopilot systems, high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, precision GPS navigation, automated flight path planning and obstacle avoidance. These systems allow sUAVs to be remotely piloted or fly autonomously according to pre-programmed commands. Expanding Use in Aerial Imaging One of the most common commercial applications for Small UAV is aerial photography and videography. By mounting a camera gimbal and high-resolution camera underneath the aircraft, sUAVs can capture detailed images and videos from the air. Thi...