Give an example of a UAS that operates autonomously.

A surveying drone that follows a preset flight path is an excellent example of a UAS that operates autonomously. This type of drone is programmed to follow specific GPS coordinates and carry out tasks without real-time human intervention. Once set up, it can take off, navigate its route, and complete its data collection tasks independently.

In contrast, a racing drone typically requires constant manual control to navigate through a course at high speeds, making it dependent on a human operator. An aerial photography drone that is controlled manually is also not autonomous, as it is piloted in real-time by a user. While a drone used for small package delivery may incorporate some level of autonomy—such as navigating to a delivery location—it often still requires human oversight and intervention for various aspects of the flight and delivery process. Thus, the surveying drone stands out as operating fully autonomously in its designed function.