Doctoral Degrees (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) by Subject "Aircraft"

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    A framework and criteria for the operability of unmanned aircraft systems
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Maneschijn, Anton; Jones, T.; Von Backstrom, T. W.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Airworthiness certification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is normally considered to be a regulatory function. In the absence of comprehensive UAS airworthiness regulations, the development of new and unique UAS, and their introduction into non-segregated airspace, remain major challenges for the UAS industry and regulators. Thus, in response, the objective of this research was to establish a framework and guidelines, within the scope of the typical regulatory regime, that can be used by the UAS engineering domain to ensure the safe and reliable functioning of a UAS, whether regulated or not. UAS airworthiness is currently mainly based on manned aircraft regulations, and the focus is on the unmanned aircraft and the 'airworthiness' of the remote control station. The typical UAS as a system, however, consists of more than just these elements and a broader approach to the 'airworthiness' of a UAS is required. This study investigated and introduces the concept of UAS operability, where the term 'operability' addresses the safe and reliable functioning of the UAS as a system, the airworthiness of its airborne sub-systems, and the safe and reliable functioning of its non-airborne subsystems and functional payloads. To ensure that the results of this study are aligned with typical aviation regulatory systems, a regulatory basis was defined within which UAS operability guidelines could be developed. Based on the operability concept, and in the scope of the regulatory basis, a UAS operability framework was developed for the UAS engineering domain. This framework is an index and reference source from which appropriate operability elements can be selected for a particular UAS. The scope of the framework is generic, rather than UAS-type or -class specific, and includes operability elements for the UAS as a system, for its airborne and non-airborne sub-systems, and for its payloads. The framework was validated by developing lower hierarchical levels for the framework and by populating each operability element of the framework with appropriate engineering guidance criteria. The guidance criteria were derived and/or developed from industry 'best practices' found in the literature, or were newly developed where no existing practices were found. The significance of this study is found in its establishing of a generic UAS operability framework that not only focuses on the airworthiness of the unmanned aircraft, but addresses the operability of the UAS as a system, as well as the operability of its airborne sub-systems, its non-airborne sub-systems and its payloads. In practice, the UAS operability framework can be used in the UAS engineering domain as an index and reference source to select relevant operability elements for a particular UAS. The guidance criteria for the selected elements can subsequently be used to develop the appropriate processes, procedures, requirements and specifications to achieve initial operability of the UAS, and to maintain its continued operability. Although the objective of the research was achieved, the UAS operability framework must still be applied and tested in real-life UAS projects and, where necessary, revised to eliminate shortcomings and to provide for new and novel developments in UAS engineering technologies.