Levels of automation and how they are applied to UAS Operations. Levels of autonomy in UAS operations are variable and transformable. The amount of automation is based on the system architecture. The most sophisticated UAS are highly autonomous but may need manual control when necessary. Handing off manual operation of an aircraft can allow pilots and sensor operators to focus on mission objectives. The range in automation can go from 0 to 100 percent. Although I said 0%, even at full manual control, an aircraft takes manual inputs and converts them into tilting the quadcopter by changing rotor speeds, or moves flight control surfaces. This part is still automated. Full autonomy can be achieved when a UAS can take off, perform its mission, return to home and auto-land. In this objective control flight plan and waypoints are set and the pilot intervenes only to update flight objectives. I like this description below for the in...
