CIVIL USES OF REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT

The technology effort is identified and assessed that is required to bring the civil uses of RPVs to fruition and to determine whether or not the potential market is real and economically practical, the technologies are within reach, the operational problems are manageable, and the benefits are worth the cost. To do so, the economic, technical, and environmental implications are examined. The time frame is 1980-85. Representative uses are selected; detailed functional and performance requirements are derived for RPV systems; and conceptual system designs are devised. Total system cost comparisons are made with non-RPV alternatives. The potential market demand for RPV systems is estimated. Environmental and safety requirements are examined, and legal and regulatory concerns are identified. A potential demand for 2,000-11,000 RPV systems is estimated. Typical cost savings of 25-35% compared to non-RPV alternatives are determined. There appear to be no environmental problems, and the safety issue appears manageable. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Lockheed Missiles and Space Company Incorporated

  Research and Development Division
  Sunnyvale, CA  United States  94088
• Authors:
  • Aderhold, J R
  • Gordon, G
  • Scott, G W
• Publication Date: 1976-7

Media Info

• Pagination: 326 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft operations; Airlines; Autonomous land vehicles; Aviation safety; Civil aircraft; Civil aviation; Cost effectiveness; Remote control; Remotely piloted aircraft; Technological forecasting; Technology assessment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aircraft safety
• Old TRIS Terms: Airline operations; Mission planning
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00151567
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: NASA-CR-137894 Final Rpt., LMSC-D057323
• Contract Numbers: NAS2-8935
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM