Understanding Army RPAS Technology and Risks

Army RPAS technology is a game-changer for military operations, allowing for real-time surveillance and reconnaissance.

These unmanned aerial systems can fly for up to 24 hours, providing continuous coverage of a battlefield.

The Army's RPAS systems are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, capturing high-resolution images and video.

RPAS technology is not without its risks, however, as the article highlights the potential for cyber attacks on these systems.

Broaden your view: Rpas

The term UAV is becoming less common as regulatory authorities in many countries opt for alternative terms. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need for standardized terminology in the aviation industry.

UAVs, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, are employed for both recreational and professional civilian applications. However, the aviation agencies of many countries are moving away from the term UAV.

The risks associated with UAVs are a major concern, with the potential for mid-air collisions with manned aircraft being a significant operational safety issue.

The term UAV, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, is being phased out by many countries.

Currently, the most frequent term used online to describe these flying objects is UAV, but aviation agencies are choosing different terms.

UAVs are used for both recreational and professional civilian applications.

In fact, a common agreement has been reached online to use the term UAV, but many countries are opting for alternative terms.

The term UAV is becoming outdated as countries move towards more specific terminology.

The primary operational risks to manned aviation include collision with other aircraft, manned or unmanned, and striking people on the ground. Regulatory authorities have had to mitigate these risks to enable routine flying missions.

One of the key risks is mid-air collision with another RA or a manned aircraft. The FAA has acknowledged that the pilot of a small UAS may not have the ability to see manned aircraft in the air in time to prevent a mid-air collision.

The risk of Loss of Control of an RA is also a significant concern. The FAA has acknowledged that the pilot of a small UAS could lose control of it due to a failure of the communications link between the small UAS and the pilot's handset.

Intentional misuse of an RPA is another risk factor, which could be used as a weapon for terrorism or to invade personal/corporate privacy or to commit crimes.

The risk profiles for different types of flights vary, including military/government, commercial, leisure/recreational, and hobby purposes. Each of these categories has unique risk profiles that need to be considered.

Here are the main operational risks to manned aviation:

Regulatory authorities have had to balance the need for safety with the need for innovation and progress in the aviation industry.

Safety regulations for army RPAS are complex and varied, with different countries having their own set of rules and guidelines. The FAA in the US emphasizes the importance of risk analysis and management in safety cases presented by RPAS operators seeking operational waivers.

For more insights, see: Canada Rpas

In the European Union, the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) has been working towards a single set of technical, safety, and operational requirements for the certification and safe integration of UAS into airspace and at aerodromes.

The principal operational safety issues raised during the evolution of small RPAS have revolved around the risk and potential consequences of a Mid-Air Collision with another RA or a manned aircraft. This includes the risk of Loss of Control of an RA, the risk of intentional misuse of an RPA, and the classification of flights.

Disparate factors have led to inconsistent priorities among states as they strive independently to achieve their own "most appropriate balance." This sometimes affects the effort in writing and promulgating safety-focused regulatory requirements versus issuing safety guidance.

Here are some key RPAS operational safety issues for operators and pilots:

EUROCONTROL finds that harmonizing state regulations to cover the full range of RPAS-aircraft sizes initially appeared highly desirable, but the current arbitrary split among categories is based on RPAS-aircraft weight. This differentiation serves to distinguish between the regulatory competence of a national aviation authority versus that of EASA regulatory competence.

The term RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) is the preferred terminology used by international aviation-related agencies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Eurocontrol.

RPAS systems are based on cutting-edge aerospace technologies, offering advancements that enhance civil-commercial applications and improve safety and efficiency in civil aviation.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines RPAS as "based on cutting-edge developments in aerospace technologies, offering advancements which are opening new and enhanced civil-commercial applications as well as improvements to the safety and efficiency of the entire civil aviation".

In the civilian world, small RPAS are used for a variety of applications, including security surveillance, emergency response, and data communication.

Some examples of RPAS operators' missions include:

The formal international way to refer to unmanned aircraft systems is RPAS, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft System.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a key player in defining this term, emphasizing its cutting-edge developments in aerospace technologies.

RPAS is the preferred terminology used by international aviation-related agencies, including Eurocontrol, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of New Zealand.

These agencies are working to create a smooth and safe cohabitation of unmanned aircraft systems with traditional aviation.

The RPAS definition highlights the advancements in civil-commercial applications and safety efficiency.

By using a standardized term like RPAS, international agencies can ensure consistency and clarity in their regulations and guidelines.

This consistency is crucial for the development and integration of unmanned aircraft systems worldwide.

Small RPAS have a wide range of civilian applications, from security surveillance to atmospheric research.

In the United States, small RPAS must weigh less than 55 pounds and operate at a maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level.

Operators and remote pilots must comply with FAA rules, including operating with a direct visual line of sight to the small RA, or having a designated visual observer.

Some RPAS operators obtain waivers to fly at night, above 400 ft AGL, or beyond VLOS.

Examples of RPAS operators' missions include:

If you're interested in joining the New York Army National Guard (NYARNG) as an Active Guard Reserve (AGR) member, you'll need to follow their specific application instructions.

The NYARNG AGR application process begins with submitting a resume and completing the online application form.

You must be a U.S. citizen and a New York resident to be eligible for AGR membership.

The application form will ask for your personal and contact information, as well as your military and education history.

You'll also need to provide transcripts and proof of education, such as a diploma or degree.

The NYARNG uses the Army's Talent Management System to manage AGR applications and select candidates for interviews.