Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are a class of aircrafts that can fly without the onboard presence of pilots. Unmanned aircraft systems consist of the aircraft component, sensor payloads and a ground control station. They can be controlled by onboard electronic equipments or via control equipment from the ground. When it is remotely controlled from ground it is called RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle) and requires reliable wireless communication for control. Dedicated control systems may be devoted to large UAVs, and can be mounted aboard vehicles or in trailers to enable close proximity to UAVs that are limited by range or communication capabilities.

UAVs are used for observation and tactical planning. This technology is now available for use in the emergency response field to assist the crew members. UAVs are classified based on the altitude range, endurance and weight, and support a wide range of applications including military and commercial applications. The smallest categories of UAVs are often accompanied by ground-control stations consisting of laptop computers and other components that are small enough to be carried easily with the aircraft in small vehicles, aboard boats or in backpacks. UAVs that are fitted with high precision cameras can navigate around the disaster area, take pictures and allow the crew members to perform image and structural analysis. As UAV operations require onsite personnel, it will be helpful for onsite crew members to access the disaster area first before entering the disaster affected area. UAVs that are suitable for outdoor operation and can fly at reasonable altitude are used for disaster impact analysis. The important aspect of such UAVs is that the initial assessment gives a clear disaster planning direction. After the survivors are detected via image analysis, crew members can then try to make contact with the survivors and perform quick rescue operations. Nano UAVs can be used in-built and combined with robots capabilities and can be a very useful in detecting structural damages to buildings and detect survivors trapped inside debris.

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