Blog: The Future of the UAS

The future of weather forecasting by UAV is being made possible thru the introduction of new software which will enable UAV to accumulate data at lower altitudes. The name of this new software is Sferic Drone Flight and it was developed to provide “hyperlocal, low-altitude weather forecasting for drone operators” (Dent, 2017).
Earth networks developed the software which will provide weather forecasts within altitudes between 10 to 400 feet. The 400 foot tier as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration will provide UAV operators, information such as wind speeds and direction. The information provided will enable operators to examine details during their pre-flight mission planning.
The Sferic Drone Flight software is supported by the Global Weather Corporation which has weather sensors located in various countries. The future development of the software will entail an application which can be downloaded to an operator’s phone. The application will provide the latest UAV focused weather information to the operator.
Another possible development is the integration of the forecast information into the UAV system. The integration will allow the UAV to adjust to the wind conditions in order to provide for a greater degree of controlled flight. Dent states “systems can better calculate range, trajectory and other flight parameters. Pilots and researchers will also be able to use the data to identify disruptive conditions after drone accidents” (Dent, 2017).
The system will undergo testing in order to determine areas of further modification used to provide a greater degree of data reliability. The system could further provide for a wider acceptance of UAS into the National Airspace System as stated by Dent “Once its running well, it could smooth the acceptance of drones by the public and regulators like the FAA” (Dent, 2017).
The use and development of the software will have other far reaching effects within UAV operations as stated by Dent "Weather intelligence will be a key technology to enable longer and beyond line of sight missions” (Dent, 2017). The accomplishment of BLOS flight by a sUAV could be further realized if an operator is able to factor environmental conditions during pre-flight mission planning. The incorporation of detailed environmental factors could further aid in extending the operational range of UAV’s and provide for safer integration into the National Airspace System.

References

Dent, S. (2017). Drone pilots are getting their own weather forecasts. Engadget, Retrieved from https://www.engadget.com/2017/09/07/drone-pilots-are-getting-their-own-weather-forecasts/

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