What is Unmanned aircraft hot seating?

Unmanned aircraft hot seating refers to the operational process where the pilot or crew of an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is replaced while the aircraft is in the air or with the engines operating. This method is designed to maintain continuous flight operations without significant downtime, allowing for seamless transitions between crews. The ability to conduct such a maneuver is vital for missions that require prolonged aerial surveillance or operation, as it enables the UAS to remain airborne while minimizing interruptions that could jeopardize mission objectives.

This practice underscores the need for specialized training and procedures, ensuring that new crew members can take over responsibilities efficiently, especially in dynamic environments where timely data collection is crucial. By maintaining flight operations during these transitions, hot seating plays a key role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of unmanned systems.