What is the term for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems?

The term for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems is "sUAS." This term specifically refers to unmanned aircraft systems that weigh less than 55 pounds, which is the threshold set by the FAA for the applicability of Part 107 regulations. The "s" in sUAS stands for "small," differentiating it from other unmanned aircraft systems that may be larger or have different operational requirements.

Understanding the distinction between the other terms can help clarify why sUAS is the correct answer. "UAS" refers to Unmanned Aircraft Systems in general and can include both small and larger systems. "UAV" stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, which specifically describes the aircraft component of a UAS but does not encompass the entire system that includes the control station and associated equipment. "UA" simply refers to Unmanned Aircraft, which again does not take into account the full operational aspect that distinguishes the various categories of unmanned systems. Therefore, "sUAS" is the precise term used to denote small unmanned aircraft systems within the regulatory context of FAA guidelines.