ISO 5110-2023 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 5110:2023 — Test method for flight stability of a multi-copter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under wind and rain conditions. This International Standard specifies laboratory and field test procedures to evaluate the flight stability of multi‑copter type UAS in defined wind and rain environments and provides a repeatable method for comparative assessment across platforms and configurations.

Abstract

This document specifies procedures for testing flight stability of multi‑copter UAS (vertical take‑off and landing type) and is applicable to commercial systems weighing more than 250 g and less than 150 kg. The standard covers applicability to both civil and military multi‑copter UAS but does not prescribe quantitative stability acceptance criteria; rather it defines the test conditions, instrumentation and reporting needed to characterise stability under wind and rain.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 21 August 2023 (Edition 1, 2023-08).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.020 (Aircraft and space vehicles in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2023).
• Number of pages: 20 pages.

Scope

Defines a test method to assess flight stability of multi‑copter UAS subjected to wind and rain. The scope covers multi‑copter UAS capable of vertical take‑off and landing, with an intended mass range for testing of greater than 250 g up to less than 150 kg. It applies to both civilian and military systems and focuses on specifying test conditions, instrumentation, measurement procedures and reporting formats rather than mandating pass/fail stability thresholds.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined test conditions for wind and rain exposure (environmental set‑up and measurement ranges).
• Procedures for stabilised flight, maneuvers to be used during testing, and repeatability requirements.
• Instrumentation and data acquisition requirements (sensors, data rates, telemetry and synchronisation).
• Reporting format and essential data to be recorded (environmental parameters, vehicle configuration, test results).
• Applicability statement covering multi‑copter UAS >250 g and <150 kg; note that no quantitative pass/fail stability criteria are specified in the standard.

Typical use and users

Intended users include UAS manufacturers and integrators, independent test laboratories, certification and regulatory bodies, research organisations studying vehicle handling and robustness, and military test units. The standard is used to design and conduct reproducible stability tests, compare platform performance under controlled environmental stressors, and provide standardised test reports for procurement, development and evaluation.

Related standards

ISO 5110:2023 is part of work under ISO/TC 20/SC 16 (Unmanned aircraft systems). Related ISO deliverables addressing UAS include the ISO 21384 series (Unmanned aircraft systems — general specification, product systems, operational procedures) and other UAS terminology and operational standards developed by the same technical committee; these complementary standards address vocabulary, system/product requirements and operational procedures that relate to testing and certification activities.

Keywords

UAS, unmanned aircraft system, multi‑copter, flight stability, test method, wind testing, rain testing, ISO/TC 20/SC 16, aircraft testing, environmental testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 5110:2023 is an ISO International Standard that specifies a test method for evaluating flight stability of multi‑copter unmanned aircraft systems when exposed to wind and rain conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures, environmental conditions, instrumentation, data collection and reporting for multi‑copter UAS (vertical take‑off and landing types) with an intended mass range of greater than 250 g up to less than 150 kg. The standard does not set quantitative pass/fail stability limits — it standardises how stability is measured and reported.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: UAS manufacturers, test laboratories, certification bodies, regulators, research institutions and military testing organisations use this standard to perform repeatable stability assessments and produce comparable test reports.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 5110:2023 was published and is in force (Edition 1, published August 21, 2023). Users should check ISO or their national standards body for any amendments or revisions after publication.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: While ISO 5110 is a standalone test method, it sits within the body of UAS standards produced by ISO/TC 20/SC 16 and is complementary to other UAS standards (for example the ISO 21384 series on UAS general specification, product systems and operational procedures). Practitioners often use these standards together when specifying, testing and certifying UAS.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Multi‑copter, UAS, flight stability, wind testing, rain testing, test method, ISO.