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Civilian and Commercial Drones

Civilian and Commercial Drones

Civilian and Commercial Drones

RAND's research on civilian and commercial drones explores their applications, benefits, and risks across transportation, public safety, infrastructure, and other sectors. It provides analysis to inform regulations, privacy protections, and strategies for integrating drones safely and effectively into national airspace systems.

Related Topics

Air Transportation
Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles

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- Commentary (8)
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Commentary

Apr 19, 2016

Regulating Drone Airspace Using 'Smart Markets'

With commercially operated autonomous drones potentially on the horizon, a policy problem is likely to emerge: allocation of scarce airspace and preferred flight paths. 'Smart markets' could help.
Research

Nov 11, 2015

The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems for Agriculture in Africa: Can It Fly?

Examines the feasibility of adopting agricultural unmanned aerial systems in Africa.
Research

Sep 17, 2014

Designing Unmanned Systems with Greater Autonomy: Using a Federated, Partially Open Systems Architecture Approach

Many current unmanned systems (UxSs) employ different communication systems and have limited autonomy, which limit information sharing with warfighters and other UxSs. This report identifies ways to address these limitations.
Commentary

Oct 11, 2012

Expect More Drone Use Like Recent Israeli Episode

Practically any country that aspires to an indigenous aviation industry (as most countries do, even if only for national pride) has a reasonably capable, medium-altitude unmanned drone system in development or flying already, writes Ted Harshberger.

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