Drone & Counter-UAS Glossary: Key Terms & Definitions

Air Risk Assessment (ARA) – The evaluation of risks associated with airborne operations, including mid-air collisions, airspace conflicts, and operational hazards. ARA considers factors such as traffic density, detect-and-avoid capabilities, and regulatory requirements to determine the likelihood and severity of aerial incidents. In the context of The Unmanned Company, ARA is integrated into SORA-based risk assessments, probabilistic modelling, and simulation-driven evaluations, helping drone operators and security stakeholders assess airspace safety and compliance requirements.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – The use of machine learning, neural networks, and data-driven algorithms to enable autonomous decision-making and pattern recognition. AI is widely applied in drone detection, tracking, navigation, and risk assessment, enhancing the capabilities of C-UAS systems, operational safety analysis, and threat modelling. In the context of The Unmanned Company, AI supports probabilistic risk modelling, reinforcement learning for autonomous navigation, and advanced simulation-based assessments for unmanned aircraft operations.

Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) – Drone operations conducted beyond the direct visual range of the remote pilot, requiring alternative methods for navigation, control, and situational awareness. BVLOS flights enable long-range surveillance, delivery, and inspection missions but require regulatory approval, risk assessments, and safety mitigations.

CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) – The UK’s national aviation regulator, responsible for overseeing airspace management, flight safety, and regulatory compliance for both manned and unmanned aircraft. The CAA enforces drone regulations, including requirements for operator licensing, risk assessments, and airspace permissions, such as those under the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) framework.
Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) – Technologies and methods used to detect, track, identify, and mitigate unauthorised unmanned aircraft in controlled or sensitive airspace. C-UAS solutions include radar, RF detection, optical sensors, jamming, spoofing, and kinetic interceptors, deployed for military, security, and critical infrastructure protection. In the context of The Unmanned Company, C-UAS is a core focus area, with expertise in threat modelling, risk assessment, and simulation-based evaluation of counter-drone strategies.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) – A numerical modelling technique used to simulate airflow, aerodynamic forces, and fluid interactions affecting unmanned aircraft. CFD is widely applied in drone design, performance optimisation, and risk assessment, helping to predict lift, drag, turbulence, and impact forces under various conditions. In the context of The Unmanned Company, CFD supports probabilistic risk modelling and ground risk assessments, enhancing the accuracy of impact energy predictions and operational safety evaluations.

DASA (Defence and Security Accelerator) – A UK government agency that funds and supports innovation in defence and security, helping to develop technologies that address national security challenges. DASA provides grant funding, commercialisation support, and connections to defence stakeholders for companies working on emerging security solutions, including counter-UAS technologies and risk assessment tools.
Detection, Tracking, and Identification (DTI) – A set of methods used to monitor, classify, and respond to unmanned aircraft activity. Detection involves locating drones using radar, RF analysis, optical sensors, or acoustic systems. Tracking ensures continuous monitoring of a drone’s movement and behaviour, while identification determines its type, intent, and operator status. In the context of The Unmanned Company, DTI is a key element of counter-UAS strategy development and risk assessment, supporting threat modelling and airspace security solutions.
Drone Swarms – Multiple unmanned aircraft operating in a coordinated and networked manner, either autonomously or under human supervision. Swarm technology is used in military, security, search and rescue, and industrial applications, leveraging AI and real-time communication to execute complex tasks such as surveillance, area coverage, and cooperative attack strategies. In the context of The Unmanned Company, drone swarms are considered in threat modelling, counter-UAS strategy development, and risk assessment simulations, evaluating their potential risks and defensive countermeasures.

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) – The regulatory authority responsible for civil aviation safety and standards across EU member states, including the oversight of unmanned aircraft operations. EASA develops and enforces regulations, certification requirements, and risk assessment frameworks such as SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) to ensure safe and compliant drone operations. In the context of The Unmanned Company, EASA regulations are considered in risk assessments and operational planning, particularly for drone operators seeking approvals under EU aviation law.
Electromagnetic Countermeasures – Techniques used to disrupt, degrade, or manipulate the electronic systems of unmanned aircraft. This includes jamming, which interferes with radio communications and GPS signals, and spoofing, which deceives a drone’s navigation system by feeding it false positional data. EM countermeasures are commonly used in counter-UAS operations for security, defence, and critical infrastructure protection. In the context of The Unmanned Company, EM countermeasures are considered in threat modelling and risk assessments, evaluating their effectiveness and potential unintended consequences in airspace security scenarios.

Flight Envelope – The operational limits of an unmanned aircraft, defined by its aerodynamic, structural, and control capabilities. This includes factors such as maximum and minimum speeds, altitude limits, manoeuvrability, and environmental tolerances. In the context of The Unmanned Company, flight envelope considerations are used in simulation-based risk assessments and drone performance modelling.
FPV (First-Person View) – A method of piloting unmanned aircraft using a real-time video feed from an onboard camera, typically displayed through goggles or a monitor. FPV is widely used in racing, cinematography, and industrial inspections, as well as in military and defence applications, where FPV drones are deployed for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and battlefield situational awareness. In the context of The Unmanned Company, FPV operations are considered in risk assessments and regulatory compliance evaluations, particularly regarding line-of-sight requirements, operational safety, and security implications.

Go/No-Go Analysis – A decision-making tool used to determine whether a drone mission can proceed safely based on predefined risk criteria. This assessment considers factors such as weather conditions, airspace restrictions, operational risk levels, and regulatory compliance. In the context of The Unmanned Company, Go/No-Go Analysis is supported by probabilistic risk modelling and simulation-based assessments, providing data-driven justifications for safe and compliant drone operations.
Ground Risk Assessment (GRA) – The evaluation of risks posed by an unmanned aircraft to people, infrastructure, and property in the event of a failure or crash. This involves assessing factors such as impact energy, population density, and operational mitigations to determine the likelihood and severity of ground-based incidents. In the context of The Unmanned Company, GRA is conducted using probabilistic risk modelling and simulation-based analysis, providing data-driven insights to support regulatory compliance and operational safety.
Ground Risk Class (GRC) – A classification system used in SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) to define the level of risk an unmanned aircraft poses to people and infrastructure on the ground. GRC is determined by factors such as drone size, impact energy, population density, and operational mitigations.

Hazard Identification (HAZID) – A systematic process used to identify potential risks and hazards in drone operations. It is a key step in risk assessment and safety planning, helping to detect threats related to airspace conflicts, system failures, environmental factors, and operational limitations. In the context of The Unmanned Company, HAZID is applied to counter-UAS scenarios and drone risk assessments, supporting the development of mitigation strategies and regulatory compliance.

Impact Energy – The kinetic energy transferred upon impact when an unmanned aircraft collides with a surface or person. It is a key factor in assessing injury risk and structural damage in drone operations. In the context of The Unmanned Company, impact energy is used in probabilistic risk modelling and simulation-based assessments to improve ground risk evaluations and support regulatory compliance for drone safety.
Innovate UK – The UK’s national innovation agency, providing funding and support for research, development, and commercialisation of new technologies. It operates under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and funds projects across various sectors, including aerospace, security, and autonomous systems.

Jamming – The use of radio frequency (RF) signals to disrupt or disable the communication and navigation systems of unmanned aircraft. Commonly used in counter-UAS operations, jamming can interfere with a drone’s control link, GPS, or other positioning systems, forcing it to land, return to home, or lose functionality. In the context of The Unmanned Company, jamming is considered as part of risk assessments and threat modelling for airspace security and drone mitigation strategies.

Low-Altitude Airspace Security – The protection of airspace below traditional aviation altitudes, where unmanned aircraft operate. This involves detecting, tracking, and mitigating unauthorised drones to prevent security threats or operational disruptions. In the context of The Unmanned Company, low-altitude airspace security is a key focus area for risk assessment, counter-UAS strategy development, and simulation-based threat modelling.

Machine Learning (ML) – A branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that enables systems to learn from data and improve decision-making without explicit programming. In the context of The Unmanned Company, ML is used to enhance drone risk assessment, optimise flight navigation, and improve counter-UAS detection and response strategies through data-driven modelling and simulation.
Multi-Rotors – Unmanned aircraft with multiple rotors for lift and control, including quad-copters, hex-copters, and octo-copters. Known for their vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability and precise manoeuvrability, they are widely used in commercial, security, and defence applications. In the context of The Unmanned Company, multi-rotors are a primary focus for risk assessment, simulation-based safety analysis, and operational planning.

Non-Cooperative Drones – Unmanned aircraft that do not transmit identification signals such as ADS-B, Remote ID, or transponder data, making them harder to detect and track. In the context of The Unmanned Company, non-cooperative drones pose a challenge for airspace security and counter-UAS operations, requiring alternative detection methods such as RF monitoring, radar, and optical tracking.

Operational Safety Case (OSC) – A detailed regulatory document required for higher-risk unmanned aircraft operations that fall outside standard permissions. It provides a structured assessment of operational risks, mitigations, and safety measures, demonstrating compliance with aviation regulations. In the context of The Unmanned Company, an OSC supports risk assessments for specific drone missions, helping operators justify safe and controlled flight operations in complex environments.

Probabilistic Risk Modelling – A risk assessment approach that uses probability-based simulations to estimate the likelihood and impact of hazardous events. In the context of The Unmanned Company, probabilistic risk modelling is applied to drone operations and counter-UAS scenarios, enabling more accurate assessments of collision risk, ground impact probability, and operational safety compared to traditional deterministic methods.

Radio Frequency (RF) – The use of RF signals for communication, detection, and countermeasure applications in unmanned systems. In the context of The Unmanned Company, RF is relevant for identifying, tracking, and mitigating unauthorised unmanned aircraft using signal analysis and interference techniques.
Reinforcement Learning (RL) – A machine learning approach where an AI agent learns through trial and error to improve its decision-making.

SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) – A global risk assessment framework developed by JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) to evaluate the safety and feasibility of unmanned aircraft operations. Adopted by EASA, the UK CAA, and other aviation regulators worldwide, SORA provides a structured methodology for assessing air and ground risks, defining mitigation measures, and determining operational safety requirements for drone missions beyond standard permissions.

Threat Modelling – A structured approach used across security, defence, and cybersecurity to analyse potential threats, assess vulnerabilities, and develop mitigation strategies. In the context of The Unmanned Company, threat modelling is applied to drone-related security risks, evaluating the capabilities, intent, and impact of unauthorised unmanned aircraft to support counter-UAS strategy development.
Threat Profile - A general term used in security and risk assessment to describe the characteristics and risk factors associated with a specific threat. Within The Unmanned Company, a threat profile defines the operational patterns, technical specifications, and potential security risks of an unmanned aircraft or system, supporting risk analysis and countermeasure planning.

UxV (Unmanned Vehicle) – A general term for unmanned vehicles across various domains, including unmanned aircraft (fixed-wing and rotary-wing), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), including legged and wheeled systems. This term applies to both remotely operated and autonomous platforms.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) – A category of unmanned aircraft, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid designs, capable of autonomous or remote operation. UAVs are used across civil, commercial, and defense applications, ranging from reconnaissance and logistics to surveillance and risk assessment.
USV (Unmanned Surface Vessel) – A remotely operated or autonomous watercraft designed to operate on the surface of oceans, rivers, or lakes. USVs are utilized in maritime security, hydrographic surveying, and environmental monitoring, among other applications.
UUV (Unmanned Underwater Vehicle) – A submersible unmanned system, either autonomous (AUV) or remotely operated (ROV), used for tasks such as mine countermeasures, underwater inspection, and scientific exploration.
UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) – A wheeled, tracked, or legged robotic system that operates without a human onboard, either remotely controlled or autonomous. UGVs are deployed for logistics, reconnaissance, security, and hazardous environment operations.
U-Space – The EU framework for managing drones in controlled airspace.
Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) – Systems designed to regulate unmanned vehicle movements, although almost exclusive used in the context of UAVs.