Multiple Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are being developed to replace military personnel who currently conduct dangerous surveillance operations in war zones.

And sophisticated autonomous computer frameworks allow one operator to control a number of unmanned air vehicles from a safe position on the ground.

Having a team of drones means more 'eyes', safer missions and more accurate results. It also means that if one vehicle is lost in action the others can carry on until the mission is complete. Launching a fleet of vehicles in crowded or dangerous skies, however, requires very sophisticated control and guaranteed performance of the vehicles.

The framework technology allows an operator to program a mission objective, authorizing the group of vehicles to decide the most efficient way to complete their task. Through a series of control algorithms the framework manages each vehicle's functions, such as navigation, guidance, path planning and decision-making, and ensures the vehicles avoid colliding with one another or other objects.

Other benefits of using the framework technology with MUAVs are that it increases the chances of a mission being conducted safely and successfully. Missions sometimes have to be abandoned due to poor weather or on safety grounds. But pilotless planes can be used in more challenging situations and can also provide real-time feedback on current conditions.

MUAVs can also be used by search and rescue services to look for lost people or vessels.

Another novel use of the technology is within environmental surveillance. MUAVs can be outfitted with chemical sensors to track the movements of contaminated cloud formations. Other civil applications include mining, oil exploration, surveillance and reconnaissance for traffic control, fire extinction, oceanographic or geological surveys, and marine and border inspection.

Students at Virginia Tech's Unmanned Systems Laboratory are perfecting an autonomous helicopter they hope will never be used for its intended purpose.

Roughly six feet long and weighing 200 pounds, the re-engineered drone is designed to fly into American cities blasted by a nuclear weapon or dirty bomb.

The helicopter's main mission would be to assist military investigators in the unthinkable: Enter an American city after a nuclear attack in order to detect radiation levels, map and photograph damage.

The research team re-engineered a Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter to fly in fully autonomous mode. They also created flight control software algorithms that will direct the helicopter to radioactive sources on its own accord.

One payload is unique: A miniature robot on treads that can be launched via a tether wire from the helicopter to collect evidence. The helicopter would hover over the robot, and pull it back via the wire.

The group also designed a downward-looking stereo camera system mounted to the helicopter, to image affected areas. The cameras would allow for computerized 3-D terrain mapping of affected areas. It is expected that the helicopter will also have night vision capabilities.

The project is funded by the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency. Plans call for the helicopters to be mission-ready in three years.

Meanwhile, 24 USAF Academy cadets have received the first unmanned aerial systems-remotely piloted aircraft wings. The students visited Nellis AFB and Creech AFB in the summer of 2009 to learn more about drones in the operational Air Force.

The program will take another step forward next year when the Academy acquires a Scan Eagle, a 40-pound unmanned aircraft that launches from a hydraulic system similar to the catapult systems on aircraft carriers and lands using a skyhook.