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Unmanned aircraft system (UAS)UAS

The drone itself plus the equipment that controls it — the command unit and the C2 link. The rules apply to the whole system.

An unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is a broader concept than just "the drone". It covers the unmanned aircraft itself plus all the equipment needed to control it remotely — the command unit and the command-and-control link between the controller and the aircraft.

The distinction matters because Regulation (EU) 2019/947 applies to the whole system, not just the airframe. Requirements on safe operation, technical condition and pilot competency address the drone together with its control equipment as one unit.

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