Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The editors (associated with the aviation program at Kansas State U. and with New Mexico State U.'s Physical Science Laboratory's programs on unmanned aircraft systems, or UASs) present a text intended to serve as an introductory non-engineering, non-technical text at the undergraduate level to unmanned aircraft systems. The material is written from a civilian, operational perspective aimed at those who will be making decisions about the deployment of unmanned aerial systems. Chapters cover system elements, the US aviation regulatory system, certificate of authorization process, systems operations, use of UASs for geospatial data, automation and autonomy in UASs, safety assessments, sensors and payloads, human factors, and future trends. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Richard K. Barnhart, Ph.D., is professor and head of the Aviation Department at Kansas State University (K-State; Salina) in addition to serving as the executive director of the Applied Aviation Research Center at K-State, which oversees the newly established Unmanned Aerial Systems program office. Dr. Barnhart is a member of the graduate faculty at K-State and holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument, multiengine, seaplane, and glider ratings. He also is a certified flight instructor with instrument and multiengine ratings. Dr. Barnhart holds an airframe and power-plant certificate with inspection authorization. In addition, he holds an A.S. in aviation maintenance technology from Vincennes University (Indiana), a B.S. in aviation administration from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana), an MBAA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach, Florida), and a Ph.D. in educational administration from Indiana State University (Terra Haute). Dr. Barnhart’s research agenda is focused in aviation psychology and human factors. His industry experience includes work as a research and development (R&D) inspector with Rolls-Royce Engine Company, and systems instructor for American Trans-Air airlines. Most recently, Dr. Barnhart was associate professor and acting department chair of the Aerospace Technology Department at Indiana State University, where he was responsible for teaching flight and upper-division administrative classes. Courses taught include Aviation Risk Analysis, Citation II Ground School, King Air 200 Flight, Air Navigation, Air Transportation, Instrument Ground School, and many others.

Stephen B. Hottman is the director of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Technical Analysis and Applications Center (TAAC) and associate dean for Research and Development and senior deputy director of the New Mexico State University (NMSU; Las Cruces) Physical Science Laboratory (PSL). The TAAC includes all of the UAS research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) and operations that are taking place in the National Airspace System (NAS). The UAS TAAC is evolving into a center of influence for global UAS RDT&E and airspace integration and access. Hottman’s areas of responsibility include leadership for two separate departments. The 21st Century Aerospace Department includes all of the unmanned aircraft work performed since 1999; and missile, rocket, and telemetry support to the Missile Defense Agency, Space and Missile Defense Command, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other agencies. The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility (Department) is a government-owned contractor-operated NASA carrier program providing all operations, R&D, and engineering support for near space activity (120–160K AGL) with several ton payloads operating for over a month at a time. Launch operations occur at numerous international sites utilizing balloons up to 60 M ft2.

Prior to NMSU, Hottman worked in the industry and focused primarily on optimizing the effectiveness of the human in manned weapon systems. His last industry position in 1998 was leading a human systems strategic business unit focused on human performance, chem/bio, and training that was the largest provider of such services to the Department of Defense (DoD), other federal agencies, and international sponsors. His career has included an eclectic variety of domains, including directed energy weapons development; chemical biological warfare vulnerability and countermeasures for ground and aircrew members; command, control, and communication; a variety of aviation programs; and training primarily in support of the war fighter.

Hottman is a Ph.D. candidate in psychology (engineering psychology) at New Mexico State University, has an M.S. in industrial engineering (human factors specialization), and a B.S. in psychology; both degrees are from Texas A&M University. He has more than 100 public