This book offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary research, methodologies, and practical insights into the rapidly evolving field of unmanned aerial systems. It connects theoretical foundations with applied developments, providing a balanced exploration of design principles, flight dynamics, control algorithms, navigation, and system integration. Coverage includes both fundamental and applied aspects, including aerodynamic modeling, propulsion systems, communication architectures, autonomy, swarm intelligence, and AI-enhanced flight control. Practical challenges related to operational safety, mission planning, regulatory compliance, and performance optimization across civil, industrial, and defense sectors are also highlighted.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Theory and Applications features contributions from leading researchers and practitioners, offering readers a multidisciplinary perspective that encompasses engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics. It serves as a valuable reference for academics, engineers, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of UAV technologies and their real-world applications.

T. Hikmet Karakoç, Ph.D., serves as the Research Dean at Piri Reis University in Türkiye and is also associated with the National Aviation Academy in Azerbaijan. He graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Anadolu University. He earned his M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Yildiz Technical University and received his Ph.D. from Anadolu University. Prof. Dr. Karakoç received the title of Associate Professor in 1987 and Professor in 1992. His research interests include sustainable aviation, gas turbines, HVAC systems, energy economy, fuels and combustion, and natural gas. He has worked as a researcher, executive, and manager on many industrial projects. He is currently the President of SARES International and serves on multiple editorial boards of international journals.

Khagani Abdullayev, Ph.D., is the Vice Rector for General and Economic Affairs at the National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan. He received his Bachelor's and MSc degrees from the Television and Radio Systems Department, Faculty of Radio Technique at Azerbaijan Technical University in 1983. He earned his Ph.D. in Technical Science in 2005, defending his dissertation titled "Acousto-Optical Temporal-Scale Signal Converters and Their Application to Information Processing." Prof. Dr. Abdullayev received the title of Professor in 2025. His research interests include radio electronics, optics, remote sensing, and microelectronics. He has been working at the National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan since 1999.

Fuad Mirzayev, Ph.D., is the Head of the Scientific Information and Patent Department at the National Aviation Academy (NAA) of Azerbaijan. He graduated from NAA with a Bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Economics and Law, and in 2008 earned his MSc in Management. In 2018, he earned his Ph.D. in Field Economy, defending his dissertation titled “Investment Activity in the Transportation System of Azerbaijan and Directions for Its Improvement.” Dr. Mirzayev received the title of Associate Professor in 2024. His research interests include business management, project management, finance, and transport economy. He has been working at the National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan since 2008.

Elgun Aghayev, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer at the National Aviation Academy (NAA) of Azerbaijan. Dr. Elgun Aghayev graduated from the Aviation Transport Organization specialty at NAA in 2006, and earned his Ph.D. from NAA in the Operation of Surface Complexes, Output Equipment, Flying Machines and Their Systems specialty in 2022, defending his dissertation titled “Radio-electronic System for Measuring the Loading Degree of Aircraft.” He has been working at the National Aviation Academy of Azerbaijan since 2011.