ISO 5110:2023

Overview

ISO 5110:2023 - Test method for flight stability of a multi-copter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under wind and rain conditions - defines procedures to evaluate the flight stability of multi‑copter UAS (vertical take-off and landing) in realistic environmental conditions. The standard applies to commercial, military and civil multi‑copter UAS weighing over 250 g to less than 150 kg. It specifies test purpose, apparatus, test conditions and six principal test cases (with and without rainfall) but does not prescribe quantitative pass/fail stability criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Test scope and applicability
  • Multi‑copter UAS (VTOL) from >250 g to <150 kg, commercial and military/civil applications.
• Environmental test conditions
  • Simulated temperature (−20 °C to 50 °C), wind (0–30 m/s), rainfall (0–20 mm/h), ice (−20 °C to 0 °C) and gusts.
  • Note: rainfall tests are for stability effects, not for ingress protection evaluation.
• Test apparatus
  • Wind/gust generators (laminar or turbulent flow; oscillating‑vane gust generation).
  • Rainfall simulation (multiple nozzles).
  • Test section sized to the UAS (examples given; e.g., 8 × 8 × 12 m for smaller commercial units).
  • Three‑dimensional position measurement systems with centimetre‑level accuracy (motion capture, IR/video, UWB, ultrasonic, GNSS).
• Test methods
  • Six test cases: take‑off/landing stability, take‑off/landing under wind+rain, six‑directional flight stability (up/down/left/right/forward/back), the same under wind+rain, 360° rotational stability under wind, and 360° rotation with wind+rain.
  • Real‑time position logging and flight path deviation analysis between desired and measured positions.
• Reporting and evaluation
  • Procedures for preparatory steps, test execution and recommended report formats (informative annexes).

Practical applications

• Use ISO 5110:2023 to:
  • Validate and improve UAS autopilot and control systems against wind, gusts and rainfall.
  • Support product development (R&D), design verification and pre‑certification testing.
  • Provide consistent test data for procurement specifications, flight performance claims and safety assessments.

Who should use this standard

• UAS manufacturers and integrators
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• System developers (autopilot, flight control, propulsion)
• R&D teams in delivery, inspection, agriculture, surveying and defense sectors

Related standards and references

• Refer to national aviation regulators and industry airworthiness guidance for operational performance criteria and certification thresholds.
• For terminology and broader UAS work, see ISO/TC 20/SC 16 publications and the ISO Online Browsing Platform for related standards.