The article is devoted to an overview of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS according to GOST R 59517–2021, or in a number of publications – unmanned aerial vehicles or drones) capable of delivering various cargoes. The options for their application in various fields, including agriculture and forestry, fishing, wildlife protection, air quality monitoring, mining, defense and civilian use, search and rescue operations, are given and briefly analyzed. The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the identified capabilities of unmanned aircraft systems in terms of cargo delivery for various purposes, as well as the availability of infrastructures when receiving cargo for further transportation and its delivery at the place of delivery. The history of the development of unmanned vehicle technologies is given. The relevant standards of the Russian Federation, classification and categorization of UAS in the Russian Federation and abroad are presented. The advantages and disadvantages of UAS are described, as well as the problems of delivering mail using drones. Conclusions are drawn about the desire of developers and trends to create intelligent, fully automatic robotic aviation systems, however, it is noted that fully automatic systems do not yet exist in the world, therefore, this area of development is relevant. It is concluded that it is necessary to carry out scientific and technical developments in terms of creating automatic delivery of mail and other items, especially relevant for megacities in which the largest part of the population of developed countries is concentrated. At the same time, it is obvious that the delivery system should consist of at least three stages – warehouse sorting, direct flight and navigation, and cargo shipment to the appropriate post office. Each stage is an infrastructural concept with a complex system and logistics that requires artificial intelligence, robotic devices, and other elements and attributes of complex systems that are subject to comprehensive study in technical, legislative, legal, and logistical terms.

The paper is a scientific review of unmanned aircraft systems (unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones) specializing in various types of cargo transportation. The development of the use of unmanned aircraft systems in postal and cargo logistics is presented, the main requirements of legal regulation and infrastructural requirements for the operation of drones are given, the influence of external factors and the social aspects of drone operation are described. An analysis of their practical application in various industries is given: agriculture and forestry, fisheries, wildlife protection, various types of environmental monitoring (including air quality control), mining, defense and civilian sectors, space industry, as well as during search and rescue missions. The tasks of Arctic exploration using drones are highlighted. The paper includes a historical review of the development of unmanned technologies, a description of Russian and international standards, classifications and categories of unmanned aircraft systems. In addition, the key advantages and limitations of unmanned systems are disclosed, as well as specific problems associated with the mail delivery by drones. The prospects of using unmanned vehicles are given. The main stages of scientific and technical development of unmanned systems are given. Unmanned aerial vehicles continue to evolve, and the next paper will cover the classification and development process of unmanned aerial vehicles.

The article is a continuation of the scientific review of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones) specializing in various types of cargo transportation. The current state and prospects of using unmanned vehicles, including their operation in Russia and abroad, are presented. Modern solutions of manufacturers and key players in the UAS market are presented. In addition, various alternative unmanned systems are described – land, sea, space, etc. The classification and categories of unmanned aircraft systems in Russia and abroad are given. The main stages of scientific and technical development and design of unmanned systems are given, taking into account the feasibility study.