Unmanned Systems Technology 018 | CES show report | ASV Global C-Cat 3 USV | Test centres | UUVs insight | Limbach L 275 EF | Lidar systems | Heliceo DroneBox | Composites

39 from each other, even in similar mission spaces. That is often due to wider variations in UAV configurations in terms of vehicle design and aerodynamics, as well as system architecture. It follows then that as the UAV is remotely operated, any test and evaluation programme should include the ground control equipment and data links in addition to actual flight performance. The complexity of a system tends to grow with a UAV’s capability for autonomous flight, as the software and hardware requirements increase. The greater this complexity, the more precautions and data that are required within the test plan specifications for validating the safety of these systems and maturing them to the desired level of reliability. It is also vital to have clear definitions of the roles of the crew in flight testing procedures. Not doing so might create misunderstandings over task ownerships, leading to a higher rate of errors owing to an excessive or insufficient number of contributors to the processes. While different vehicles merit different models and approaches to team organisation, a few general roles are essential. First, there should be a flight test director or leader to coordinate and oversee missions, to ensure that the crew and the local airspace authority receive and understand all mission- critical information. Also, the director should ensure that the proceedings of the test programme are comprehensively constructed, and appropriately modified and evolved as data is accumulated and evaluated. The appointment of a safety officer is also key. Their responsibilities range from enacting all safety measures around the vehicle and during missions to taking over manual control of the UAV in the event of a failure mode. These two people have primary prerogative over aborting a mission if either of them finds sufficient cause. There should also be a ground control station (GCS) engineer or lead test pilot (the actual title is less important than Test centres | Focus Unmanned Systems Technology | February/March 2018 UAS test centres have been established all over the world, as UAV developers seek to prove the performance and safety of their systems in cost-effective ways (Courtesy of Barcelona Drone Center) Unmanned systems are susceptible to turbulence, making flight tests hazardous relative to manned aircraft tests (Courtesy of UAS Test Site, University of Maryland)