Below is a brief glossary of words, phrases, acronyms, and technologies commonly used in the UAV industry.

Familiarization can help provide a deeper understanding of the UAV industry, enabling more informed UAV acquisition decisions, and empowering you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

A

Aerial Intelligence: The collection, analysis, and use of data captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for informed decision-making in fields like defense, security, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response.

Aerodynamics: The study of how air moves around objects. In UAV design, optimized aerodynamics improve efficiency, flight time, and stability.

Agility: The capability of a UAV to maneuver rapidly and accurately, crucial for operations in complex or dynamic environments.

All-Weather Operations: The ability of a UAV to function reliably under adverse environmental conditions, including wind, rain, snow, dust, and salt spray.

Autonomous Flight: UAV operations performed without direct, continuous human control, using onboard sensors, GPS, and AI-driven flight management systems.

B

Brushless Motor: Motors that have permanent magnets that rotate around a fixed armature, eliminating problems that could be associated with connecting current regarding a moving part. Brushless motors tend to be more efficient and hardier than brushed motors.

BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight): Operating a UAV beyond the pilot’s direct line of sight, enabled by advanced sensors, communication links, and regulatory approvals. BVLOS capabilities expand mission scope in applications like search and rescue, mapping, and industrial inspections.

C

C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance): A framework of technologies and systems that enables real-time data acquisition, analysis, and decision-making for defense and security applications.

CFR (Code of Federal Regulations): The codification of federal rules and regulations in the U.S., including those governing UAV operations, airworthiness, and safety (e.g., FAA regulations).

Coaxial UAV: A drone design featuring two counter-rotating rotors mounted on the same axis. Coaxial architectures improve efficiency, stability, durability, and performance in harsh conditions, making them ideal for mission-critical operations.

Composites: High-strength, lightweight materials (e.g., carbon fiber) used to build UAV airframes, increasing strength and flight efficiency without adding excessive weight.

COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf): Pre-manufactured components or technologies readily available on the commercial market, allowing integrators to rapidly outfit UAVs with proven capabilities.

D

Data Link: A communication channel that allows UAVs to transmit telemetry, video feeds, and sensor data to ground control stations or cloud-based analytics platforms.

Drone: Drone is a generic term for a remote-controlled pilotless aircraft or missile. Legally, drone is a general term referring to an aircraft that is operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft (Public Law 112-95, Section 331(8)).

Ducted Fan: A propulsion design where a fan or rotor is enclosed in a cylindrical shroud, reducing noise, improving safety, and enhancing thrust efficiency.

Durability: The robustness of a UAV to withstand harsh environments, impacts, and prolonged use without significant degradation in performance.

E

EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) Sensors: Camera and sensor technologies that capture visible (EO) and thermal (IR) imagery, enabling UAVs to conduct operations in various lighting and weather conditions, including nighttime or low-visibility environments.

Enterprise Drone Solutions: UAV platforms and services designed for commercial, industrial, and public sector markets, focusing on reliability, scalability, and compliance with industry standards.

F

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): The U.S. agency responsible for regulating civil aviation, including UAV operations, airspace integration, and pilot certifications.

FAR: Federal Aviation Regulation. The FAR establishes the rules that the federal government and contractors must follow to purchase and sell goods and services through contracts.

Flight Control System: Allows the operator to manually control the drone whilst in flight.

FPV: First person view.

Futureproof: The design approach ensuring UAV platforms remain compatible with new technologies, evolving mission requirements, and regulatory changes, protecting investments over time.

G

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System): Satellite-based navigation systems (e.g., GPS, Galileo) used by UAVs for accurate positioning, route planning, and automated flight control.

GPS: Global Positioning System. A navigation system that allows the pilot to have an accurate idea of the drones current position.

Group 1 UAV: A classification by the U.S. Department of Defense for small UAVs typically weighing under 20 lbs (9 kg), operating at low altitudes and short ranges. Group 1 drones are often used in tactical, reconnaissance, or inspection roles.

H

Hardened Electronics: UAV components designed and sealed to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, moisture, sand, and corrosive environments, ensuring reliable operation in austere conditions.

High Wind Operation: The capability of UAVs to maintain stable, controlled flight in winds up to specified speeds (e.g., 50 mph), expanding operational windows and mission flexibility.

I
ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance): The process of gathering, analyzing, and distributing information obtained from UAV sensors to support decision-making in defense, security, and emergency response scenarios.

Integrators: Companies or teams that incorporate UAV platforms, payloads, and software into cohesive solutions, tailoring systems to specific mission or industry needs.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection): A classification that indicates the level of environmental protection a UAV’s enclosure provides against dust, water, and other contaminants (e.g., IP54, IP67).

L

Line of Sight (LOS): The ability to see your drone from an operating position with your naked eye.

Low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power): The principle of designing UAV systems to minimize size, weight, and power consumption, thereby increasing flight endurance, payload capacity, and overall efficiency.

LTE/5G Connectivity: The integration of cellular or next-gen wireless communication modules for real-time data transmission, remote command, and more sophisticated autonomous operations.

M

MOSA (Modular Open Systems Approach/Architecture): A design and acquisition strategy promoting open standards and modular components. MOSA compliance ensures UAVs can quickly integrate new technologies, payloads, and software updates, reducing obsolescence and life cycle costs.

MTOW (Maximum Takeoff Weight): The maximum allowable weight at which a UAV can safely take off and operate, factoring in airframe, payload, fuel/battery, and environmental conditions.

Multi-Copter/Multi-Rotor Copter: A generic name for a drone or UAV with multiple propellers, also known as rotors.

N

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):  The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provides authorization of appropriations for the Department of Defense (DOD), nuclear weapons programs of the Department of Energy, and other defense-related activities.

NDAA compliant: A product or service that is NDAA compliant adheres to the security standards outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a U.S. federal law that sets guidelines and budget for the Department of Defense, particularly focusing on restrictions against using certain foreign-made technology deemed a national security risk, especially in areas like telecommunications equipment and surveillance cameras; essentially, it signifies that a product is considered safe for government use due to its origin and components.

Night-Vision Capabilities: The ability of UAVs equipped with low-light sensors or IR cameras to operate effectively in darkness, providing around-the-clock mission readiness.

No-Fly-Zone: An area in which drones are not allowed to operate and are restricted by government regulations. 

O

Open Architecture: A flexible UAV design that supports easy integration of third-party components, sensors, and software, allowing organizations to customize platforms for unique mission requirements.

Over-the-Air Updates: Remote firmware or software updates to UAV systems, enabling rapid adoption of new features, improved performance, and enhanced cybersecurity measures.

P

Part 107: Part 107 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the legal framework for commercial drone flight in the United States. It covers the rules for commercial and government use of drones that weigh less than 55 pounds.

Payload: The amount of additional weight a drone is able to lift in addition to its own weight and batteries.

Payload Integration: The process of adding mission-specific equipment—such as LiDAR sensors, EO/IR cameras, chemical detection units, or specialized radios—onto a UAV platform.

Persistent ISR: The ongoing presence of UAVs in an area of interest to gather continuous intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data.

Q

Quick-Connect Payloads: Modular payload mounting systems that enable fast swapping or updating of sensors, cameras, and mission equipment without complex tools, reducing downtime and improving mission agility.

R

RFI/RFQ (Request for Information/Request for Quote): Formal processes by which organizations solicit information or pricing from UAV manufacturers and integrators when considering procurement or partnerships.

Robustness: The ability of a UAV to maintain stable operations and data integrity under stressors such as electromagnetic interference, mechanical vibration, temperature extremes, and moisture.

Ruggedization: The design and engineering steps taken to ensure a UAV can withstand harsh conditions, rough handling, and physically demanding missions.

S

Scalability: The ease with which a UAV platform can transition from small, prototype orders to large-scale production runs while maintaining quality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Search and Rescue (SAR): Missions conducted to locate and help individuals in distress, often involving UAVs equipped with thermal imaging, loudspeakers, and payloads like life-saving kits.

Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR): A military mission that uses small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to provide real-time security, target acquisition capabilities, and information about an enemy, potential enemy, or operational environments.

Small UAS (sUAS): UAVs weighing less than 55 lbs as defined by the FAA, commonly used in enterprise, public safety, and commercial applications.

SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power): Key design parameters that influence a UAV’s endurance, payload capacity, and operational flexibility.

T

Telemetry: Real-time data transferred from a UAV to a ground control station, including position, altitude, battery life, system health, and sensor readings.

Tethered UAVs: Drones connected to a power source on the ground via a cable, allowing extended flight duration and secure data links for surveillance or communications relay.

U

UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System): A broader term encompassing the UAV (drone) itself, the ground control station, communications equipment, and any other support systems.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV): An aircraft that flies without a human pilot onboard, relying on remote control or autonomous systems for navigation and operation.

V

Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL): The ability to launch and land without a runway, enabling UAVs to operate from confined or remote areas and quickly deploy in dynamic situations.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Operation of a UAV within the pilot’s direct, unaided line of sight. Regulatory agencies often require VLOS for certain operations unless waivers or special permissions are granted.

W/X/Y/Z

Weather Resistance: The capability of a UAV to maintain stable operation despite adverse weather conditions, including wind speeds up to 50 mph, rain, and snow.

Wingloading: The ratio of UAV weight to its wing area (applies more to fixed-wing drones), affecting stall speed, handling, and efficiency. While less relevant to rotorcraft, principles of lift and thrust distribution remain crucial.