Unmanned Machines of the Sky: UAV
by Buse Nur ASLAN
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of modern technology, gaining widespread popularity in military, civilian, and commercial applications. These highly advanced machines simplify complex tasks while offering cost-effective solutions, making them increasingly indispensable. However, like any technological innovation, UAVs come with both advantages and drawbacks. Their design and models significantly impact their operational capabilities, and they require specific licenses based on their equipment and power classifications.
In the aviation industry, UAVs continue to evolve rapidly. While their primary use has been in military operations—such as border surveillance and defense—they are now finding broader applications in civil aviation. One key advantage of UAVs is their cost efficiency compared to manned aircraft, not only in terms of purchase and maintenance but also in operation. Although pilot-controlled aircraft have long dominated aviation, the future may see a shift toward remotely operated or even fully autonomous UAVs. This raises the question: Are passengers ready to board pilotless commercial flights?
UAVs operate without a human pilot onboard and can be controlled remotely by an operator. Their adaptability allows them to be equipped with different tools for various tasks. For instance, drones can be fitted with pesticide containers for agricultural spraying, cargo attachments for transportation, or high-resolution cameras for aerial photography.
The applications of UAVs extend across numerous industries:
- Agriculture: Farmers can use UAVs for efficient crop monitoring and pesticide application.
- Surveillance and Security: Border patrol forces benefit from UAVs for enhanced security and real-time monitoring.
- Exploration and Mapping: UAVs enable the exploration of inaccessible terrains, assisting in geographical surveys and disaster assessments.
- Military Operations: UAVs conduct precision strikes and reconnaissance missions in areas where traditional aircraft cannot operate.
- Autonomous Passenger and Cargo Transport: Research is underway to integrate UAVs into commercial air travel and cargo logistics without pilot intervention.
- Photography and Cinematography: UAVs provide breathtaking aerial shots for various creative and commercial purposes.
- Firefighting and Disaster Response: Drones help in reaching fire-prone areas where conventional firefighting vehicles cannot operate.
The increasing reliance on UAVs signals a transformative shift in aviation and technology. As regulations evolve, their role in everyday life will expand, potentially reshaping industries and redefining traditional aviation norms.
Did you know that the drones we carry are also classified according to the human aircraft category and require a license? Let’s take a look at the categories of UAVs that we encounter in many places in civilian life and military fields.
Military UAV
It helps in target identification by being used as a decoy against enemy air defense or warplanes. It helps in finding enemy front information because it offers the opportunity to enter places where F16s cannot enter, thanks to its size.
Civilian UAV
Logistics: Can be used as cargo and logistics support. There are even companies that deliver cargo by drone in foreign countries. There is one company that produces cargo drones in our country. I hope we will have the opportunity to see it everywhere soon.
UAVs used for civil and commercial purposes; It is used in areas of use such as the agricultural spraying example we just gave, and in the more popular wedding photography shoots. Disinfestation activities can be carried out safely and quickly with a drone, minimizing the fuel and maintenance costs spent on the tractor.
UAVs used for recreational purposes can be flown sportively. For this, you will be able to get an IHA driver’s license free of charge with the link I will share with you shortly.
Well, did you know the usage areas of unmanned aerial vehicles, which are almost a part of our lives? In case of natural disasters such as fire, earthquake or flood, it can provide support to identify the scene and deliver aid.
It has the ability to carry out environmental cleaning activities in order to prevent environmental pollution in the seas and rural areas.
Emergency medicine etc. It enables rapid and effective intervention without getting stuck in transportation problems such as traffic.
It can be used in hobby activities such as fishing, nature photography, and wildlife observation.
It can be used to ensure security in organizations such as rallies, concerts, open-air meetings with large participation.
Is it possible to fly UAVs, which are unmanned aerial vehicles, without a license? Of course not. If you are going to fly a UAV for commercial purposes, you need to get a commercial license, and if you are going to fly it as a hobby, you need to get a sports license.
It is currently possible to obtain a Sport UAV License free of charge within the campaign carried out by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. You can easily get your license digitally after a 20-question exam. You can get your IHA License free of charge by clicking on the link https://iha.shgm.gov.tr/public/register. IHA driver’s license types are as follows.
- İHA 0: With a takeoff weight between 500g and 4kg, these UAVs are mainly used for basic area measurement.
- İHA 1: Ranging from 4kg to 25kg, these UAVs are suitable for large-scale and detailed area measurement.
- İHA 2: Weighing between 25kg and 150kg, these UAVs are predominantly used for military operations.
- İHA 3: Weighing over 150kg, these UAVs are designed for advanced military applications.
References
Unmanned system integrated roadmap FY2013-2038, Approved by: James W. Winnefeld, Frank Kendall
Suraj G. Gupta, Mangesh M. Ghonge, Dr. P. M. Jawandhiya, Review of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Engineering and Technology, volume 2, Issue 4, April 2013
Pictures: unsplash.com, haberaero.com, rutbe.net, x.com, runwayhaber.com, aa.com.tr, radio-canada.co, webtekno.com, droidman.com, tunedglobal.com, web.shgm.gov.tr
