Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft that operate without onboard crew or passengers. They can function as automated ‘drones’ or be controlled remotely as piloted vehicles (RPVs). Originally developed for military reconnaissance and combat operations since World War 1, the rapid technological advances have enabled the evolution of drones towards diverse civilian and commercial applications.
Radar Positioning Technology
The latest drones have dual Global Navigational Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS and GLONASS. Drones can fly in both GNSS and non-satellite modes. For example, DJI drones can fly in P-Mode (GPS & GLONASS) or ATTI mode, which doesn’t use GPS. Highly accurate drone navigation is very important when flying, especially in drone applications such as creating 3D maps, surveying landscape and SAR (Search & Rescue) missions. When the quadcopter is first switched on, it searches and detects GNSS satellites. High end GNSS systems use Satellite Constellation technology. Basically, a satellite constellation is a group of satellites working together giving coordinated coverage and are synchronized, so that they overlap well in coverage.
Collision Avoidance Technology
The latest high tech drones are now equipped with collision avoidance systems. These use obstacle detection sensors to scan the surroundings, while software algorithms and SLAM technology produce the images into 3D maps allowing the drone to sense and avoid. The DJI Mavic 2 obstacle sensing system is top drone technology. The Mavic 2 will sense objects, then fly around obstacles in front. It can do the same when flying backwards. Or hover if it is not possible to fly around the obstacle. This technology is known as APAS (Advanced Pilot Assistance System) on the DJI Mavic 2 and Mavic Air drones.
UAV Drone Propulsion Technology
The propulsion system (motors, electronic speed controllers and propellers) is the drone technology. Which move the UAV into the air and to fly in any direction or hover. On a quadcopter, the motors and propellers work in pairs with 2 motors. And propellers rotating clockwise (CW Propellers) and 2 motors rotating Counterclockwise (CCW Propellers). They receive data from the flight controller and the electronic speed controllers (ESC) on the drone motor direction to either fly or hover.
Realtime Telemetry Technology
Nearly all drones have a Ground Station Controller (GSC) or a smartphone app, allowing you to fly the drone and to keep track of the current flight telemetry. Telemetry data showing on the remote controller many include UAV range, height, speed, GNSS strength, remaining battery power and warnings. Many UAV drone ground controllers use FPV (First Person View), which transmit the video from the drone to the controller or mobile device.
No Fly Zone Drone Technology
In order to increase flight safety and prevent accidents in restricted areas, the latest drones from DJI and other manufacturers include a “No Fly Zone” feature. The no fly zones are regulated and categorized by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Manufacturers can change the no fly zone drone technology using UAV firmware updates.
Over the coming years, drone technology will transform our cities, revolutionizing how people travel. And how goods are delivered and how buildings look and are constructed.
