Civilian Uavs Five More Unmanned Aircraft

The vast majority of the 200-plus UAVs in use in the United States are military craft. But the 11-model civilian fleet is expected to grow. The planes below – drawn to scale – are all operational and represent the future of unmanned flight.Global ObserverMedia Platforms Design TeamPowered by a liquid hydrogen fuel cell, California-based AeroVironment’s UAV can stay aloft for a week at 65,000 ft., providing low-cost communications relays and aerial mapping. style=“float:right; font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold; border:thin solid #666666;"> Civilian UAVsMedia Platforms Design TeamNo Pilot, No ProblemMedia Platforms Design TeamAnatomy of a PredatorMedia Platforms Design Team Civilian UAVs: Five More Unmanned Aircraft frameborder=“0” scrolling=“no”»Media Platforms Design TeamBell Eagle EyeMedia Platforms Design TeamThe Bell is a two-in-one craft: Launching vertically like a helicopter off boat decks for search-and-rescue missions, it turns into a fixed-wing plane for long-range operations (up to 100 nautical miles). style=“float:right; font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold; border:thin solid #666666;"> Civilian UAVsMedia Platforms Design TeamNo Pilot, No ProblemMedia Platforms Design TeamAnatomy of a PredatorMedia Platforms Design Team Civilian UAVs: Five More Unmanned Aircraft>Media Platforms Design TeamMedia Platforms Design TeamKillerBee 4Media Platforms Design TeamA civilian version of the KB4 is used to track icebergs. By year’s end, the plane will be able to fly in swarms of three, collaborating autonomously on some in-flight decisions. style=“float:right; font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold; border:thin solid #666666;"> Civilian UAVsMedia Platforms Design TeamNo Pilot, No ProblemMedia Platforms Design TeamAnatomy of a PredatorMedia Platforms Design Team Civilian UAVs: Five More Unmanned Aircraft frameborder=“0” scrolling=“no”»Media Platforms Design TeamMedia Platforms Design TeamAerosondeMedia Platforms Design TeamAn inverted-V tail helps keep Aerosonde stable in high winds – making it ideal for hurricane monitoring. style=“float:right;font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold; border:thin solid #666666;"> Civilian UAVsMedia Platforms Design TeamNo Pilot, No ProblemMedia Platforms Design TeamAnatomy of a PredatorMedia Platforms Design Team Civilian UAVs: Five More Unmanned Aircraft frameborder=“0” scrolling=“no”»Media Platforms Design TeamMedia Platforms Design TeamSkySeerMedia Platforms Design TeamThe 5-pound SkySeer can be used for police search-and-rescue missions, as well as scouting forest fires and counting migratory animals. style=“float:right; font-size:9pt; font-weight:bold; border:thin solid #666666;"> Civilian UAVsMedia Platforms Design TeamNo Pilot, No ProblemMedia Platforms Design TeamAnatomy of a PredatorMedia Platforms Design Team Civilian UAVs: Five More Unmanned Aircraft frameborder=“0” scrolling=“no”»Media Platforms Design TeamA lithium-polymer battery powers the twin-camera SkySeer, which can stay aloft for up to 70 minutes.