ASTM F2910-22 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM F2910-22 — Standard Specification for Design and Construction of a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS). This specification establishes minimum design, construction, and test requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems intended to operate in defined areas and authorized airspace; unless otherwise specified by a nation's governing aviation authority it applies to unmanned aircraft with a maximum takeoff gross weight of 55 lb (25 kg) or less.

Abstract

This specification defines design, construction, and test requirements for a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS). It is intended for sUAS permitted to operate over a defined area and in airspace authorized by a nation's governing aviation authority (GAA). The document notes it does not purport to address all safety concerns and that users must ensure applicable regulatory and safety practices.

General information

• Status: Active / Published.
• Publication date: 2022 (published/issued 1 October 2022 in commercial listings; ASTM store lists F2910-22 as the 2022 active version).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 49.020 — Aircraft and space vehicles in general.
• Edition / version: F2910-22 (supersedes F2910-14).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

The standard covers design, structural and installation considerations, and test requirements for small UAS (sUAS) intended for operation within authorized airspace. It addresses requirements for the airframe, propulsion installation, and structural loads (including limit, launch, and recovery loads), and establishes applicability limits (commonly cited as a maximum takeoff gross weight of 55 lb / 25 kg unless a nation's GAA specifies otherwise). The standard is intended as a technical specification to support safe design and construction but does not replace regulatory approvals or operational rules.

Key topics and requirements

• Design and construction requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), including structural integrity and installation practices.
• Definition and treatment of structural loads relevant to sUAS (limit loads, launch/recovery loads, etc.).
• Applicability limits (maximum takeoff gross weight commonly cited as 55 lb / 25 kg unless otherwise specified by a national GAA).
• Manufacturer responsibilities for assembly, integration, and documentation supporting airworthiness and safe operation.
• Test and verification requirements for construction and installation to demonstrate compliance with the specification’s structural and performance criteria.

Typical use and users

Primary users include sUAS designers and manufacturers, component and propulsion system integrators, test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, procurement/specification teams, and regulators or authorities that reference technical standards for certification or oversight. Public-safety and commercial operators may also use the standard to inform purchase specifications and continued airworthiness programs.

Related standards

ASTM F2910-22 is part of the ASTM UAS standards family and is related to other ASTM documents addressing maintenance, airworthiness, batteries, operational risk, and BVLOS approval (examples include ASTM F2909, F3005, F3196, F3298, among others). International standards and national regulations on UAS operations (for example parts of the ISO/TC 20/SC 16 work and ISO 21384 series) are complementary for operational procedures and airworthiness topics.

Keywords

small unmanned aircraft, sUAS, unmanned aircraft system, design, construction, airworthiness, structural loads, launch and recovery, 55 lb / 25 kg.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2910-22 is a 2022 ASTM specification that sets out design, construction, and test requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers structural and installation requirements, definitions of relevant loads (limit, launch, recovery), manufacturer responsibilities, and test/verification provisions for sUAS up to the commonly cited weight limit of 55 lb (25 kg), while noting it does not replace regulatory approvals.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Designers, manufacturers, integrators, test labs, procurement/spec teams, regulators, and public-safety/commercial operators referencing technical design and construction requirements for sUAS.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: F2910-22 is the current ASTM version (2022) and supersedes the prior edition F2910-14. Confirm current status with ASTM records if you need the absolute latest amendments or corrigenda.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASTM’s suite of standards on unmanned aircraft systems developed by Committee F38 and is often used alongside other ASTM UAS standards (e.g., F2909, F3005, F3196, F3298) and applicable international standards for operations and procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: small unmanned aircraft, sUAS, design, construction, airworthiness, structural loads, manufacturer, 55 lb / 25 kg.