Research at GT Aeronautics is directed at the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) market. As the world and our nation's aerospace industry enter the next century of aviation, state-of-the-art unmanned aircraft systems are leading the way to become a focal point of both the military and commercial aviation industry.

GT Aeronautics is researching the needs of the commercial aviation industry and developing remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) (also called unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS) to meet those needs. Design, development, and manufacture of two multi-role RPAS/UASs for DoD use, the Bandit RPAS and TACAMO RPAS were completed in 2015. Commercial versions of both aircraft, the GT1500 RPAS and the GT380 RPAS were completed in 2017. The newest addition to the GTA fleet is the GT100HL, a hand-launched aircraft capable of missions lasting up to 2 hours. Multi-mission tasking and adaptablity are key elements of the designs, as well as extensive use of composite structures.

GT Aeronautics has also developed (for the DoD) a high speed micro air vehicle, or MAV. Design and development of the Bandito MAV began in 2006 and includes micro sensors and the cutting-edge composite structure required for combat environment durability. The aircraft can perform ISR, air-ground, and air-air attack missions and is the absolute leader in Counter UAS technology.

GT Aeronautics participates in the development of the rules and regulations that will govern the operation of RPAS/UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS). Integration of RPAS/UAS flight within the NAS began in 2015 and is still somewhat limited in its application. However, its common, future use is inevitable. Developing a national airspace system that can accommodate the operation of RPAS/UAS with manned aircraft will play an important role in the success and future of the aerospace industry.

GT Aeronautics has maintained membership to three international technical standards committees that are actively working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for RPAS/UAS flight in the NAS. These committees, which invite industry-wide input, are working hand-in-hand with the FAA to standardize the regulations that will govern operation, certification, and airworthiness of RPAS/UAS. By allowing industry-wide membership and input, the committees ensure a fair, balanced, and safe solution to the regulation of UAS flight in the National Airspace System

The words "unmanned" and, more recently, "drone" are used extensively to describe what are really "remotely piloted aircraft". Consequently, it is critically important to understand that the word "unmanned" simply means that the aircraft itself is not carrying the pilot. The pilot for a "remotely piloted"...or "unmanned" aircraft system is simply stationed somewhere else - either on the ground, on a ship, or in another aircraft - and flies the aircraft "remotely" from a virtual cockpit - or Ground Control Station (GCS). The GCS is interfaced to the aircraft via a Command & Control (C2) radio link - thus allowing the pilot (and flight crew) to control the aircraft and its systems. So there ALWAYS is a pilot in control of the aircraft. Additionally, the skills required to fly remotely piloted/unmanned aircraft systems are nearly identical to those used by pilots of manned aircraft. Developing standardized pilot qualifications and flight procedures that will allow RPAS/UAS to fly in harmony with manned aircraft is a key objective at GT Aeronautics. Proper training and certification of RPAS/UAS pilots will ensure that the aircraft systems are operated safely, thus permitting the aviation industry to tap the full potential of the RPAS/UAS market.