What does the phrase "sense and avoid" refer to in UAS technology?

The phrase "sense and avoid" in UAS technology specifically refers to the capability of the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) to autonomously detect obstacles or other aircraft in its flight path and take appropriate actions to avoid collisions. This functionality is crucial for the safe operation of drones, especially in environments where they may encounter other aerial vehicles or obstacles that could pose a risk during flight.

The "sense" part involves the UAS using sensors to gather data about its surroundings, such as identifying objects, terrain features, or other aircraft. The "avoid" component requires onboard systems to make real-time decisions based on that data to change the UAS's flight path or altitude safely. This technology is vital for enabling UAS operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and integrating drones into airspace shared with manned aircraft.

The other options mentioned do not capture the essence of this term as accurately. While following a predefined path, real-time data processing for navigation, and manual piloting skills may all be important aspects of UAS operation, they do not specifically address the autonomous nature of obstacle detection and avoidance critical for enhancing flight safety.