Define "payload" in the context of UAS.

In the context of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), "payload" refers specifically to any additional equipment or cargo that the UAS carries during its flight. This can include cameras, sensors, packages, or other devices that the UAS is designed to transport. The payload is critical as it directly impacts the UAS's functionality and mission capability. For instance, a UAS designed for aerial photography will carry a camera as its payload, while a delivery drone might carry a package.

Other concepts like maximum altitude, operational range, and battery type do not define what payload is. Instead, they refer to the performance characteristics and operational parameters of the UAS itself. Understanding what payload entails is essential for effectively planning operations and ensuring that the UAS can safely and efficiently accomplish its intended mission.