Current UAV issues by BML

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Current issues and concerns

The issues discussed next, many of which are in the process of being resolved, have impeded the introduction and application of Unmanned Air Vehicles, throughout the world.

Fortunately, governments and regional bodies are becoming aware of the various issues and are establishing UAV Test Centres, for use in the testing and certification of UAVs.

Current issues

Item	Issues
Safety	No pilot in the UAV: what happens if the UAV experiences technical problems, such as: loss of communications link loss of engine and / or electrical power How is the UAV certified as air worthy? How can a UAV avoid an impending mid-air collision? more on safety
Reliability	As a rule of thumb, reliability is related to the cost of the aircraft. The UAV is less expensive than a manned aircraft, so, it may be less reliable. The consequences of an unreliable UAV are: potential for a crash, possibly injuring people, creating damage to property, or, causing a road accident waste of time and money recovering the failed UAV the more unreliable the UAV, the greater the number of spare planes required, impacting the financial advantage more on reliability
Environmental impact	How does the environmental impact of the UAV compare with that of the manned alternative in terms of fuel usage and noise levels? If the UAV is so inexpensive, there may be so many as to cause an environmental nuisance… more on environmental issues
Potential use by terrorists or criminals	How can the use of UAVs by either terrorists, or, criminals be prevented? On 8^th November, 2004, Hezbollah flew a UAV from Lebanon over Israel… more on terrorism
Integration in Air Traffic Control Systems	How can UAVs be integrated in established commercial and military Air Traffic Control Systems? How can the Control Tower give flight instructions to the non-existent pilot in a UAV? more on air traffic control
Flight automation	Can the operation of the UAV be de-skilled, since the pilot is no longer required? In fact, could the UAV take off, flight and landing be managed entirely by computer (ie. automated flight), leaving the only human intervention the servicing of the UAV? more on flight automation
Endurance	How long can a UAV remain airborne? Model planes only seem to manage ten to fifteen minutes see first flight across the Atlantic by a UAV see first flight across the Atlantic by a small UAV see Predator UAV with an estimated 3,120 Km range