1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the key technologies and Ethical and Legal issues at the forefront of Unmanned Vehicle technology. (AHEP 4: F1, F5, F7, F8 and F13)
2. Research the requirements for a UAV specification and the latest views in the continuing debate around UAV ethical and legal issues to demonstrate understanding of current UAV technology. (AHEP 4: F1, F2, F5, F7, F8, F9 and F13)
3. Use comparison methods and source reliability to analyse current work, contemporary problems and/or new insights into the latest developments in UAV usage. (AHEP 4: F2, F5, F6 and F13)
4. Communicate conclusions clearly in written form to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Use other communications methods to identify and compare information. (AHEP 4: F17)

An assignment weighted at 100% consisting of an individual project to specify the requirements of a UAV for a particular use, highlighting the specific Legal and Ethical issues. Demonstrates achievement of University of Staffs learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4 as highlighted above. Linked to AHEP 4 outcomes F1, F2, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9 and F13.

Link to AHEPs 4

This module links to AHEPs 4 in the following ways:

1. F1 – knowledge of mathematics and engineering flight principles applied to the design of the UAV
2. F2 – in the design of the UAV, analyse broadly defined problems and reach conclusions.
3. F5 – in designing the UAV, design a solution that meets the user and customer needs. Design of UAV will involve applicable H&S, environment al matters and codes practice.
4. F6 – in designing the UAV, apply a systematic approach to a broadly defined problem.
5. F7 – when designing the UAV, evaluate the environmental and societal impact.
6. F8 – identify ethical concerns with designing a UAV.
7. F9 – evaluate and mitigate risk when designing the UAV.
8. F13 – select and apply appropriate materials and engineering technologies when designing the UAV.
9. F17 – communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), introducing the history of their uses and terminology used to describe them.

The Laws relating to the use of UAVs in the UK, covering the Air Navigation Order (ANO), the related Civil Air Publications that guide the use of UAVs and where appropriate, the differences associated with their use overseas.

The Ethical concerns related to the use of UAVs, issues with control, fail safe systems and their reliability.

Powerplants: research into the various options available for powering a UAV. To include Battery technology, its issues and limitations. Small Gas Turbines and their use, the use of Wankel type engines, solar power and other fuel options.

Communications Links: The control software compensating for weather etc, sensors, datalinks advanced mission systems, GPS and jamming, integration with ground systems.

Military and Commercial use of UAVs: Combat use of UAVs, Peacekeeping UAVs, Observation UAVs, Cost of very high tech UAVs. Current and possible uses of UAVs within the commercial environment, civil aviation restrictions, dangers posed to the public by uncontrolled UAVs, UAV related fires and explosions.

Micro UAVs: Small multi-rotor (in a briefcase), micro flying insect style UAVs and nano UAVs.

In this Module, you will analyse UAV design, research the development of new UAVs and see how their use has expanded in recent years. You will also focus heavily on the Regulations supporting UAV operations in the UK and the Ethical concerns regarding their use in UK airspace. This will allow you to research the CAA Regulations, along with writing a bid for a tender for a specific drone application.

You will be provided with material through a Virtual Learning Environment (for example, Blackboard). Material will be presented via a mixture of printable handouts, presentations and videos that will include both theory and worked examples. You will be required to keep up-to-date with the schedule and work through the tutorial questions to consolidate understanding. Support will be provided via a discussion group on Blackboard and contact with Module Tutors via email, telephone and/or video call (Blackboard Collaborate or Teams).

Students will be expected to engage with independent reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts:-

The focus of the material will be on the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) documents that underpin the operation of UAVs in the UK. These will be linked directly to the CAA site from the module.

Blackboard VLE Library facilities
Scopus
Google Scholar
Connected Papers
Office 365