A new type of aerial vehicle was introduced in the twentieth century, alongside manned aviation – the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A UAV is either remotely controlled by a human operator or operates autonomously. A system that includes a UAV platform, a Command and Control station and, in some cases, take‐off and landing devices is called UAS. The history of the UAV begins in parallel to the history of manned aviation. However, only recently its development and progress, hindered in the past by lack of technology, made the UAV category a major area of interest for many civilian and military applications. Dimensions, propulsion and applications of UAVs differ from manned aircraft. Nowadays, sizes of UAVs vary from several centimeters to a wingspan of over 40 m. Propulsion types are diverse as well; from tiny electrical motors to large Turbofan engines. UAVs are used today to substitute manned aircraft in missions of reconnaissance, attack or scientific survey – in many cases with better performance, lower costs and without endangering a pilot. As the widened introduction of UAVs continues, their capabilities and versatility grow, and thus present the most promising technological solution for many current and future airborne applications. This chapter presents a short review of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and systems. UAV characteristics, technologies, development history and future trends are discussed.
This chapter presents an overview and historical review of military aircraft. A military aircraft is defined as an aircraft that executes military missions. This is a wide definition and includes various airborne platforms. The main three platforms are fighters, bombers, and transports aircraft. The potential of aircraft for military use was understood even prior to the first flight of a heavier‐than‐air airborne vehicle. In its development history throughout the last century, major military aviation developments were spurred by wars. World War I presented to the world the first massive use of military aviation as a combat and reconnaissance military branch. The Second World War already presented a developed concept of military aviation, including heavy use of fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft in military campaigns. As a result of these developments, major progress in the aeronautical fields has occurred. New jet propulsion, new avionics, and new materials have appeared and thousands of flight hours contributed to further understanding and development of military and civil aviation. During the second half of the twentieth century, leading countries invested in developing new designs. The most impressive progress was the jet fighter – new aeronautical innovations, achieved by technological advances in aerodynamics, propulsion, and avionics.
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