Otonom Hava Taşımacılığında İnsansız Kargo Uçakları: Mevcut Durum, Zorluklar ve Gelecek Perspektifleri

Abstract

Bu çalışma, otonom hava taşımacılığında hızla gelişen ve son yıllarda hem akademik hem de endüstriyel alanda yoğun ilgi gören insansız kargo uçaklarını (İKU) bütüncül bir bakış açısıyla ele almaktadır. Araştırmanın temel amacı, literatürde çoğunlukla dağınık biçimde incelenen teknik, operasyonel ve kurumsal yaklaşımları bir araya getirerek kapsamlı bir çerçeve sunmaktır. Bu doğrultuda 2015–2025 yılları arasında yayımlanan akademik makaleler, raporlar ve sektörel çalışmalar sistematik literatür taraması ve içerik analizi yöntemleri kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Web of Science, Scopus ve IEEE Xplore veri tabanlarından elde edilen yayınlar; teknolojik ve yapısal gelişmeler, otonom kontrol sistemleri ve yapay zekâ uygulamaları ile ekonomik ve düzenleyici dinamikler başlıkları altında sınıflandırılmıştır. Bulgular, sabit kanatlı İKU’ların uzun menzilli ve yüksek verimli taşımacılıkta öne çıktığını, VTOL ve hibrit platformların ise özellikle kentsel ve kısa mesafeli teslimatlarda esneklik sağladığını göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte enerji depolama teknolojilerinin sınırlılıkları, hava sahası entegrasyonu, mevzuata uyum süreçleri ve siber güvenlik riskleri, sistemlerin yaygın ve ölçeklenebilir kullanımının önündeki temel engeller olarak belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak insansız kargo uçaklarının, geleceğin lojistik ağlarını dönüştüren stratejik bir bileşen hâline geldiği vurgulanmaktadır.

Keywords

• İnsansız kargo uçağı
• Lojistik
• Otonom sistemler
• Ekonomik karşılaştırma

Supporting Institution

Bu araştırma için herhangi bir dış finansman alınmamıştır.

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma insan veya hayvan katılımcıları içermemektedir. Tüm prosedürler bilimsel ve etik ilkelere uygun olarak gerçekleştirilmiş olup, atıfta bulunulan tüm çalışmalar uygun şekilde kaynak gösterilmiştir.

Thanks

Yazar herhangi bir kişi veya kuruma teşekkür etmek istememektedir.

Unmanned Cargo Aircraft in Autonomous Air Transport: Current Status, Challenges and Future Prospects

Abstract

This study comprehensively examines unmanned cargo aircraft (UCA), which are rapidly developing in autonomous air transport and have attracted significant attention in both academic and industrial circles in recent years. The main objective of the research is to provide a comprehensive framework by bringing together technical, operational and institutional approaches that have mostly been examined in a scattered manner in the literature. To this end, academic articles, reports and sectoral studies published between 2015 and 2025 were examined using systematic literature review and content analysis methods. Publications obtained from the Web of Science, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore databases were classified under the headings of technological and structural developments, autonomous control systems and artificial intelligence applications, and economic and regulatory dynamics. The findings show that fixed-wing UAVs excel in long-range and high-efficiency transportation, while VTOL and hybrid platforms provide flexibility, particularly in urban and short-distance deliveries. However, limitations in energy storage technologies, airspace integration, regulatory compliance processes, and cybersecurity risks have been identified as key barriers to the widespread and scalable use of these systems. Consequently, it is emphasised that unmanned cargo aircraft have become a strategic component transforming the logistics networks of the future.

Keywords

• Unmanned cargo aircraft
• Logistics
• Autonomous systems
• Economic comparison

References

1. Adamski, M. (2017). Analysis of propulsion systems of unmanned aerial vehicles. Journal of Marine Engineering & Technology, 16(4), 291–297. https://doi.org/10.1080/20464177.2017.1383337
2. Airport Technology. (2017). AT200 cargo unmanned aerial vehicle. https://www.airport-technology.com/projects/at200-cargo-unmanned-aerial-vehicle/
3. Aktaş, E. (2013). İnsansız hava araçlarının gerçeklenmesi ve modellenmesi [Yayınlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi.
4. Akyürek, S., Yılmaz, M. A., & Taşkıran, M. (2012). İnsansız hava araçları: Muharebe alanında ve terörle mücadelede devrimsel dönüşüm (Rapor No. 53). Bilgesam Yayınları.
5. Ali, B., Wang, M., Elhesasy, M., Khurshid, Y., Kamra, M. M., & Dief, T. N. (2026). eVTOL aircraft for last-mile delivery: Opportunities, challenges, and climate considerations. Unmanned Systems, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2301385028300016
6. Alqudsi, Y., Sulaiman, H., Aydemir, E. Y., & Alyoussef, F. (2026). Hybrid VTOL UAV architectures and their implementation in modern aerial systems. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.6000474
7. Alsalem, A., & Zohdy, M. (2023, April). Civil applications of vertical takeoff and landing vehicles: A review. In 2023 IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability (SusTech) (pp. 130–137). IEEE.
8. Alvarez, J. A. V. (2020). Acceptance and intention to use drone delivery services in the city of Lisbon [Unpublished master’s thesis]. ISCTE–Instituto Universitário de Lisboa.

9. Andonova, V., Nikolova, M. S., & Dimitrov, D. (2019). Dronamics. In Entrepreneurial ecosystems in unexpected places: Examining the success factors of regional entrepreneurship (pp. 211–229). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-98219-9
10. Anosri, S., Panagant, N., Champasak, P., Bureerat, S., Thipyopas, C., Kumar, S., Pholdee, N., Yıldız, B. S., & Yildiz, A. R. (2023). A comparative study of state-of-the-art metaheuristics for solving many-objective optimization problems of fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle conceptual design. Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 30(6), 3657–3671. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-023-09914-z
11. Ariante, G., & Del Core, G. (2025). Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs): Current state, emerging technologies, and future trends. Drones, 9(1), Article 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones9010059
12. Arjomandi, M., Agostino, S., Mammone, M., Nelson, M., & Zhou, T. (2006). Classification of unmanned aerial vehicles [Report for Mechanical Engineering class, University of Adelaide]. University of Adelaide.
13. Arya, V. (2025). Development and validation of a tailsitter UAV for efficient hover and forward flight [Yüksek lisans tezi, Arizona State University]. ASU Digital Repository. https://repository.asu.edu/
14. Ateş, H., & Düzgün, M. (2020). İnsansız hava araçları (İHA): Temel bilgiler ve kullanım alanları. Nobel Akademik Yayıncılık.
15. Austin, R. (2011). Unmanned aircraft systems: UAVS design, development and deployment. John Wiley & Sons.
16. Babetto, L., & Stumpf, E. (2021). Recent development of a conceptual design methodology for unmanned aerial vehicles. In AIAA Aviation 2021 Forum (p. 3219). American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-3219
17. Bae, S. M., Han, K. H., Cha, C. N., & Lee, H. Y. (2016). Development of inventory checking system based on UAV and RFID in open storage yard. In 2016 International Conference on Information Science and Security (ICISS) (pp. 1–2). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICISSEC.2016.7885849
18. Baghirov, J. (2018). The use of drones in oil and gas logistics [Unpublished master's thesis]. Molde University College, Specialized University in Logistics.
19. Baur, S. (2022, December 12). Cargo drones: A potential gamechanger in the logistics industry. Roland Berger. https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Publications/Cargo-drones-A-potential-gamechanger-in-the-logistics-industry.html
20. Bektaş, D. N., Yaman, G., Dağ, T., & Ünler, T. (2022). Dikey kalkış ve iniş yeteneğine sahip bir insansız hava aracının çok disiplinli kavramsal tasarımı. In 3rd International Conference on Applied Engineering and Natural Sciences.
21. Bilici, M. (2024). Yüksek hızlı bir İHA'nın farklı kontrolcüler ile 6SER benzetim çalışmaları ve uçuş performansının incelenmesi [Doktora tezi, Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi]. Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Açık Arşivi. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12452/18775
22. Bolz, K., & Nowacki, G. (2023). Air transport safety in UAV operational conditions. Journal of Civil Engineering and Transport, 5(1), 9–23. https://doi.org/10.24136/tren.2023.001
23. Can, N. (2013). Sivil havacılığa yön veren kuruluş Uluslararası Sivil Havacılık Örgütü: ICAO. Kokpit’ten Bakış Dergisi, 5(27), 9–16.
24. Çavuş, V., & Tuncer, A. (2017). İnsansız hava araçları için yapay arı kolonisi algoritması kullanarak rota planlama. Karaelmas Fen ve Mühendislik Dergisi, 7(1), 259–265. https://izlik.org/JA96XR84ZM
25. Cevher, Ü. (2023). İnsansız hava araçlarında dayanıklılık. Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, (51), 181–189. https://doi.org/10.31590/ejosat.1276284
26. Chen, G., Ma, D., Jia, Y., Xia, X., & He, C. (2020). Comprehensive optimization of the unmanned tilt-wing cargo aircraft with distributed propulsors. IEEE Access, 8, 137867–137883. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3012481
27. Chua, A. (2024, October 21). China’s Air White Whale unveils large unmanned cargo aircraft. FlightGlobal. https://www.flightglobal.com/civil-uavs/2024/10/chinas-air-white-whale-unveils-large-unmanned-cargo-aircraft/
28. Ciolponea, C. A. (2022). The integration of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in current combat operations. Land Forces Academy Review, 27(4), 333–347. https://doi.org/10.2478/raft-2022-0042
29. Çoban, S., & Oktay, T. (2018). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) according to engine type. Journal of Aviation, 2(2), 177–184. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.461116
30. Cömert, R., Avdan, U., & Şenkal, E. (2012). İnsansız hava araçlarının kullanım alanları ve gelecekteki beklentiler. In IV. Uzaktan Algılama ve Coğrafi Bilgi Sistemleri Sempozyumu. http://uzalcbs.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2012_080.pdf
31. Consortiq. (2024). A not so short history of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). https://consortiq.com/uas-resources/short-history-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-uavs
32. Dalamagkidis, K., Valavanis, K. P., & Piegl, L. A. (2008). On unmanned aircraft systems issues, challenges and operational restrictions preventing integration into the National Airspace System. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 44(7–8), 503–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2008.08.001
33. Dalman, B., Korobenko, A., Ziade, P., Ramirez-Serrano, A., & Johansen, C. T. (2021). Validation and verification of a conceptual design tool for evaluating small-scale, supersonic, unmanned aerial vehicles. In AIAA 2021 Forum (Paper No. 2415). https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-2415
34. Darvishpoor, S., Roshanian, J., Mesbah, A., Haghighi, K., Ebrahimi, B., Serbezov, V., & Georgiev, K. (2025). A survey of the effects of vehicle configuration on urban air mobility. Applied Sciences, 15(6), 3181. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15063181
35. DeGarmo, M. T. (2004). Issues concerning integration of unmanned aerial vehicles in civil airspace (Report No. MP 04W0000323). The MITRE Corporation.
36. Deloitte. (2015). The 2015 MHI annual industry report: Supply chain innovation: Making the impossible possible. https://www.mhi.org/publications/report
37. Dikmen, M. (2015). İnsansız hava aracı (İHA) sistemlerinin hava hukuku bakımından incelenmesi. Savunma Bilimleri Dergisi, 14(1), 145–176.
38. Dobrodomov, O., Proroka, V., & Kulyk, O. (2024). UAV launch methods. Challenges and Issues of Modern Science, 2, 25–34. https://cims.fti.dp.ua/j/article/view/153
39. Dong, S., Song, Z., Meng, Z., & Liu, Z. (2024). Biofuel–electric hybrid aircraft application—A way to reduce carbon emissions in aviation. Aerospace, 11(7), 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace11070575
40. Doole, M. M., Ellerbroek, J., & Hoekstra, J. M. (2021). Drone delivery: Nature of traffic conflicts in constrained urban airspace environments. Proceedings of the Delft International Conference on Urban Air Mobility, 15–17.
41. Dubois, G. (2024, August 12). S-76 cargo drone: UAC unveils new unmanned aerial vehicle for civilian and military applications in remote areas. Aviacionline. https://www.aviacionline.com/s-76-cargo-drone-uac-unveils-new-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-for-civilian-and-military-applications-in-remote-areas
42. Euchi, J. (2021). Do drones have a realistic place in a pandemic fight for delivering medical supplies in healthcare systems problems? Chinese Journal of Aeronautics, 34(2), 182–190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cja.2020.06.006
43. Fabiani, P., Fuertes, V., Piquereau, A., Mampey, R., & Teichteil-Königsbuch, F. (2007). Autonomous flight and navigation of VTOL UAVs: From autonomy demonstrations to out-of-sight flights. Aerospace Science and Technology, 11(2–3), 183–193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2006.05.005
44. Ferdaus, M. M., Anavatti, S. G., Pratama, M., & Garratt, M. A. (2020). Towards the use of fuzzy logic systems in rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle: A review. Artificial Intelligence Review, 53(1), 257–290. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10462-018-9653-z
45. Garg, P. K. (2021). Unmanned aerial vehicles: An introduction. Mercury Learning and Information.
46. Garg, P. K. (2023). Role of geospatial data, tools and technologies in Society 5.0. In Technological prospects and social applications of Society 5.0 (pp. 35–45). Chapman and Hall/CRC.
47. Gasimzade, N. (2024). Design and modeling of smartphone controlled vehicle. Khazar Journal of Science and Technology, 8(1), 58–77.
48. Gautam, A., Sujit, P. B., & Saripalli, S. (2014). A survey of autonomous landing techniques for UAVs. In 2014 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS) (pp. 1210–1218). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICUAS.2014.6842377
49. Ghambari, S., Golabi, M., Jourdan, L., Lepagnot, J., & Idoumghar, L. (2024). UAV path planning techniques: A survey. RAIRO - Operations Research, 58, 2951–2989. https://doi.org/10.1051/ro/2024073
50. Global Market Insights Inc. (2025). Autonomous cargo aircraft market size & share 2025–2034. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/autonomous-cargo-aircraft-market
51. Global Market Insights Inc. (2026). Cargo drones market size & share 2026–2035. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/cargo-drones-market
52. Göktürk Çetinkaya, S., & Koç, M. (2023). Türkiye’nin insansız hava araçları serüveni. Anadolu Strateji Dergisi, 5(1), 1–27. https://izlik.org/JA96LA39FG
53. Gu, H., Lyu, X., Li, Z., Shen, S., & Zhang, F. (2017). Development and experimental verification of a hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In 2017 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS) (pp. 160–169). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICUAS.2017.7991420
54. Guan, Y. J., Li, Y. P., & Zeng, P. (2023). Aerodynamic analysis of a logistics UAV wing with compound ducted rotor. Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, 95(3), 366–378. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-03-2022-0074
55. Gulden, T. (2017). The energy implications of drones for package delivery: A geographic information system comparison. RAND Corporation. https://doi.org/10.7249/RR1718.1
56. Gümüşboğa, İ. (2022). İnsansız hava aracı temelli bir otomatikleştirilmiş stok sayım sistemi tasarımı. Gazi Üniversitesi Mühendislik Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi, 37(4), 1767–1782. https://doi.org/10.17341/gazimmfd.835401
57. Güner, S., Rathnayake, D., Ahmadi, N. B., & Kim, B. (2017). Using unmanned aerial vehicles—drones as a logistic method in pharmaceutical industry in Germany. Aviation, 1, 1–11.
58. Hasan, Y. J., & Sachs, F. (2021). Performance-based preliminary design and selection of aircraft configurations for unmanned cargo operations. In J. C. Dauer (Ed.), Automated low-altitude air delivery: Towards autonomous cargo transportation with drones (pp. 107–131). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83144-8_5
59. Hasan, Y. J., Sachs, F., & Dauer, J. C. (2018). Preliminary design study for a future unmanned cargo aircraft configuration. CEAS Aeronautical Journal, 9(4), 571–586. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13272-018-0309-0
60. Hecken, T., Cumnuantip, S., & Klimmek, T. (2021). Structural design of heavy-lift unmanned cargo drones in low altitudes. In J. C. Dauer (Ed.), Automated low-altitude air delivery: Towards autonomous cargo transportation with drones (pp. 159–183). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83144-8_7
61. Houser, K. (2022, February 20). Huge cargo drones could soon move goods across the globe. Freethink. https://www.freethink.com/hard-tech/cargo-drones
62. How, J. P., Fraser, C., Kulling, K. C., Bertuccelli, L. F., Toupet, O., & Brunet, L. (2009). Increasing autonomy of UAVs. IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine, 16(2), 43–51. https://doi.org/10.1109/MRA.2009.932530
63. International Civil Aviation Organization. (2015). Manual on remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) (Doc 10019 AN/507, 1st ed.).
64. İsmayilli, A. (2023). İHA'larda itki için kullanılan mikro turbojet motorların hava kompresörünün termodinamik analizi [Yayımlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi.
65. Javadi, M. M., & Winkenbach, M. (2021). Applications and research avenues for drone-based models in logistics: A classification and review. Expert Systems with Applications, 177, 114854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2021.114854
66. Jiang, T., Geller, J., Ni, D., & Collura, J. (2016). Unmanned aircraft system traffic management: Concept of operation and system architecture. International Journal of Transportation Science and Technology, 5(3), 123–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijtst.2017.01.004
67. Joerss, M., Schröder, J., Neuhaus, F., Klink, C., & Mann, F. (2016). Parcel delivery: The future of last mile. McKinsey & Company.
68. Kahveci, M., & Can, N. (2017). İnsansız hava araçları: Tarihçesi, tanımı, dünyada ve Türkiye’deki yasal durumu. Selçuk Üniversitesi Mühendislik, Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi, 5(4), 511–535. https://izlik.org/JA85LW48PP
69. Kaitwade, N. (2025, September 1). Drone logistics & transportation market: Global market analysis report 2025–2035. Future Market Insights. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/drone-logistics-transportation-market
70. Kanat, Ö. Ö. (2023). İnsansız hava araçlarının (İHA) stratejik bağlamlardaki önemi. Anadolu Strateji Dergisi, 5(2), 75–87. https://izlik.org/JA97LH28EF
71. Kannan, S. S., & Min, B. C. (2022). Autonomous drone delivery to your door and yard. In 2022 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS) (pp. 452–461). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICUAS54217.2022.9836219
72. Karamanlı, İ. A., & Çelik, M. B. (2019). Model insansız hava aracı üretimi. In International Aluminium-Themed Engineering and Natural Sciences Conference (IATENS’19).
73. Kim, D., Lee, K., & Moon, I. (2019). Stochastic facility location model for drones considering uncertain flight distance. Annals of Operations Research, 283, 1283–1302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-018-3114-6
74. Kök, T. (2012). İnsansız hava araçlarının güvenli kullanımı için spektrum ihtiyaçlarının belirlenmesi ile ilgili öneriler [Yayımlanmamış teknik uzmanlık tezi]. Bilgi Teknolojileri ve İletişim Kurumu.
75. Korchenko, A. G., & Illyash, O. S. (2013, October). The generalized classification of unmanned air vehicles. In 2013 IEEE 2nd International Conference on Actual Problems of Unmanned Air Vehicles Developments (APUAVD) (pp. 28–34). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/APUAVD.2013.6705275
76. Koyuncu, G. (2006). İnsansız hava aracı disiplinlerarası tasarım optimizasyonu [Yayımlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi.
77. Ku, C. (2024, December 4). China's new drone draws debate over its potential uses. Voice of America. https://www.voanews.com/a/china-new-drone-draws-debate-over-its-potential-uses/7887404.html
78. Kuru, K. (2021). Planning the future of smart cities with swarms of fully autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles using a novel framework. IEEE Access, 9, 6571–6595. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3049094
79. Labib, N. S., Brust, M. R., Danoy, G., & Bouvry, P. (2021). The rise of drones in internet of things: A survey on the evolution, prospects and challenges of unmanned aerial vehicles. IEEE Access, 9, 115466–115487. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3104963
80. LaFay, M. (2015). Drones for dummies. John Wiley & Sons.
81. Lakhwani, T. S. (2025). Integrating 5PL frameworks with drone-based last-mile delivery: A model for future-ready logistics. Transportation Development Research, 3(1), 27–45. https://doi.org/10.55121/tdr.v3i1.449
82. Lee, D., Hess, D. J., & Heldeweg, M. A. (2022). Safety and privacy regulations for unmanned aerial vehicles: A multiple comparative analysis. Technology in Society, 71, Article 102079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102079
83. Lee, H. L., Chen, Y., Gillai, B., & Rammohan, S. (2016). Technological disruption and innovation in last-mile delivery. Value Chain Innovation Initiative.
84. Lei, Z. (2024, June 13). New cargo drone makes maiden flight. China Daily. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202406/13/WS666a42d1a31082fc043cc303.html
85. Li, W. C., Kearney, P., Braithwaite, G., & Lin, J. J. (2018). How much is too much on monitoring tasks? Visual scan patterns of single air traffic controller performing multiple remote tower operations. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 67, 135–144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2018.05.005
86. Lin, C. A., Shah, K., Mauntel, L. C. C., & Shah, S. A. (2018). Drone delivery of medications: Review of the landscape and legal considerations. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 75(3), 153–158. https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp170196
87. Macrina, G., Pugliese, L. D. P., Guerriero, F., & Laporte, G. (2020). Drone-aided routing: A literature review. Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, 120, 102762. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trc.2020.102762
88. Market.us. (2024). Autonomous aircraft market. https://market.us/report/autonomous-aircraft-market/
89. Market.us. (2025). eVTOL aircraft market. https://market.us/report/evtol-aircraft-market/
90. Mátyás, P., & Máté, N. (2019). Brief history of UAV development. Repüléstudományi Közlemények, 31(1), 155–166. https://doi.org/10.32560/rk.2019.1.13
91. McCoy, J. V. (2003). Unmanned aerial logistics vehicles: A concept worth pursuing? [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
92. McGee, J. P., Parasuraman, R., Mavor, A. S., & Wickens, C. D. (Eds.). (1998). The future of air traffic control: Human operators and automation. National Academies Press.
93. Mebrat, M. Y., Ahmed, M. W., & Ectors, W. (2025). Business applications of cargo drones in the EU. Transportation Research Procedia, 84, 448–455. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2025.03.095
94. Menouar, H., Guvenc, I., Akkaya, K., Uluagac, A. S., Kadri, A., & Tuncer, A. (2017). UAV-enabled intelligent transportation systems for the smart city: Applications and challenges. IEEE Communications Magazine, 55(3), 22–28.
95. Merkert, R., & Bushell, J. (2020). Managing the drone revolution: A systematic literature review into the current use of airborne drones and future strategic directions for their effective control. Journal of Air Transport Management, 89, 101929. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2020.101929
96. Milgram, J., Strickland, J., Macander, A., & Hunter, G. (2003, July). Autonomous glider systems for logistics delivery. In AUVSI 2003 Unmanned Systems Symposium & Expo (Paper No. 5301).
97. Miličević, Z. M., & Bojković, Z. B. (2021). From the early days of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to their integration into wireless networks. Vojnotehnički Glasnik/Military Technical Courier, 69(4), 941–962. https://doi.org/10.5937/vojtehg69-33571
98. Mohammed, A., Shinkafi, A. A., Isah, A., Ajayi, J. A., Pedro, P. T., Asooto, B. C., Ejakita, J. O., & Johnson-Anamemena, N. (2021). Prospects and challenges of propulsion technologies of unmanned aerial vehicles: A review. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 40(6), 1063–1071. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.v40i6.8
99. Munde, S., & Palwe, S. (2025). Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV market research report: Forecast to 2034. Market Research Future. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/vtol-uav-market-6279
100. Muratoğlu, A. (2019). Hibrit bir İHA’nın tasarımı, modellenmesi ve kontrolü [Yayınlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi.
101. Nextech Online. (2025). Discussion: VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) fixed wing. https://nextech.online/vtol-uav/
102. Özcan, H., Kesen, E., & Şahin, S. (2025). Kritik görevlerin gözetimini yapan yer ve hava sistemlerinin tasarım, analiz ve uygulaması: Örnek sistem orman yangını. Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 31(2), 212–219. https://izlik.org/JA58JU37FN
103. Özer, M. M. (2024). Avionics and communication architecture design for intelligent automated fixed-wing armed aircraft. In G. Rivera, W. Pedrycz, J. Moreno-Garcia, & J. P. Sánchez-Solís (Eds.), Innovative applications of artificial neural networks to data analytics and signal processing (pp. 439–480). Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69769-2_18
104. Pak, H. (2021). Use-cases for heavy lift unmanned cargo aircraft. In J. C. Dauer (Ed.), Automated low-altitude air delivery: Towards autonomous cargo transportation with drones (pp. 49–72). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83144-8_3
105. Pašagić Škrinjar, J., Škorput, P., & Furdić, M. (2018). Application of unmanned aerial vehicles in logistic processes. In I. Karabegović, Z. Haznadar, & S. Pašić (Eds.), Proceedings of the 4th International Conference “New Technologies NT-2018: Development and Application”.
106. Papadopoulos, C., Mitridis, D., & Yakinthos, K. (2022). Conceptual design of a novel unmanned ground effect vehicle (UGEV) and flow control integration study. Drones, 6(1), Article 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones6010025
107. Piwek, D. G. (2024). Commercialization of unmanned aerial vehicles: Prospects and challenges in the second decade of the 21st century. Rocznik Bezpieczeństwa Międzynarodowego, 18(2), 125–154. https://doi.org/10.34862/rbm.2024.2.7
108. Prasad, M. D., Yoon, S. N., & Lee, D. (2022). Integrating digital transformation and servitization into digital servitization: A case study on Domino's. Global Business and Finance Review, 27(5), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.17549/gbfr.2022.27.5.1
109. Precedence Research. (2025a). Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drones market size, share, and trends 2025 to 2034. https://www.precedenceresearch.com/unmanned-aerial-vehicle-drones-market
110. Precedence Research. (2025b). Drone logistics and transportation market size, share and trends 2025 to 2034. https://www.precedenceresearch.com/drone-logistics-and-transportation-market
111. Precedence Research. (2025c). Electric aircraft market size, share, and trends 2025 to 2034. https://www.precedenceresearch.com/electric-aircraft-market
112. PwC (2024). Drone deliveries: Taking retail and logistics to new heights. https://cee.pwc.com/drone-powered-solutions/drone-deliveries-taking-retail-and-logistics-to-new-heights.html
113. Qi, H., Cao, S. J., Wu, J. Y., Peng, Y. M., Nie, H., & Wei, X. H. (2024). Research on the effect characteristics of free-tail layout parameters on tail-sitter VTOL UAVs. Agriculture, 14(3), Article 472. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030472
114. Rakuten. (2019). Rakuten’s new island-hopping drone delivery service. https://rakuten.today/blog/island-hopping-drone-delivery-service.html
115. Ramesh, P. S., & Jeyan, J. M. L. (2022). Comparative analysis of fixed-wing, rotary-wing and hybrid mini unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) from the applications perspective. INCAS Bulletin, 14(1), 137–151. https://doi.org/10.13111/2066-8201.2022.14.1.12
116. Rehan, M., Akram, F., Shahzad, A., Shams, T. A., & Ali, Q. (2022). Vertical take-off and landing hybrid unmanned aerial vehicles: An overview. The Aeronautical Journal, 126(1306), 2017–2057. https://doi.org/10.1017/aer.2022.29
117. Sachs, F. (2021). Configurational aspects and vehicle specific investigations for future unmanned cargo aircraft. In J. C. Dauer (Ed.), Automated low-altitude air delivery: Towards autonomous cargo transportation with drones (pp. 133–157). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83144-8_6
118. Saleu, G. R. M. (2021). Optimisation des livraisons urbaines avec drones et véhicules en parallèle [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Université Clermont Auvergne.
119. Samantarai, M., & Dutta, S. (2024). Zipline: Navigating the Rwanda skies to make medical supplies accessible to millions on land. IUP Journal of Supply Chain Management, 21(2), 53–67.
120. Sampigethaya, K., & Poovendran, R. (2013). Aviation cyber–physical systems: Foundations for future aircraft and air transport. Proceedings of the IEEE, 101(8), 1834–1855. https://doi.org/10.1109/JPROC.2012.2235131
121. Santos, R. J. F. (2024). Long-range UAV configuration project [Unpublished master's thesis]. Universidade do Minho.
122. Serbezov, V. S. (2019). Assessment of the fuel efficiency of unmanned cargo aircraft, based on general aviation aircraft. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 664(1), 012006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/664/1/012006
123. Singh, B. (2024). Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), surveillance, risk management to cybersecurity and legal regulation landscape: Unraveling the future analysis, challenges, demand, and benefits in the high sky exploring the strange new world. In S. K. Gupta, M. Kumar, A. Nayyar, & S. Mahajan (Eds.), Unmanned aircraft systems (pp. 313–354). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781394230648.ch8
124. Solomin, E. V., Martyanov, A. S., Shahin, H., Pshenisnov, N. A., & Sheryazov, S. K. (2025). Overview of unmanned aircraft cargo delivery systems. Siberian Aerospace Journal, 26(2), 264–290. https://doi.org/10.31772/2712-8970-2025-26-2-264-290
125. Spandonidis, C., Sedikos, E., Giannopoulos, F., Petsa, A., Theodoropoulos, P., Chatzis, K., & Galiatsatos, N. (2022). A novel intelligent IoT system for improving the safety and planning of air cargo operations. Signals, 3(1), 95–112. https://doi.org/10.3390/signals3010008
126. Specht, M., Widźgowski, S., Stateczny, A., Specht, C., & Specht, O. (2023). Comparative analysis of unmanned aerial vehicles used in photogrammetric surveys. TransNav, International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 17(2), 433–443. https://doi.org/10.12716/1001.17.02.21
127. Srivastav, A., Shandilya, S., & Ortiz-Rodriguez, F. (2025). Introduction to drones, UAVs, and their applications. In AI, cybersecurity and data science for drone and unmanned aerial vehicles (pp. 1–41). Chapman and Hall/CRC. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003481584-1
128. Stewart, J. (2017). Blood-carrying, life-saving drones take off for Tanzania. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/zipline-drone-delivery-tanzania/
129. Stewart, M. P., & Martin, S. T. (2021). Unmanned aerial vehicles: Fundamentals, components, mechanics, and regulations. In N. Barrera (Ed.), Unmanned aerial vehicles (pp. 1–70). Nova Science Publishers.
130. Stokkermans, T. C. A., Usai, D., Sinnige, T., & Veldhuis, L. L. M. (2021). Aerodynamic interaction effects between propellers in typical eVTOL vehicle configurations. Journal of Aircraft, 58(4), 815–833. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C035814
131. Sudbury, A. W., & Hutchinson, E. B. (2016). A cost analysis of Amazon Prime Air (drone delivery). Journal for Economic Educators, 16(1), 1–12.
132. Tachinina, O., Lysenko, A., & Kutiepov, V. (2022). Classification of modern unmanned aerial vehicles. Electronics and Control Systems, 4(74), 79–86. https://doi.org/10.18372/1990-5548.74.17354
133. Tarantola, A. (2013, August 27). The Ryan Firebee: Grandfather to the modern UAV. Gizmodo. https://gizmodo.com/the-ryan-firebee-grandfather-to-the-modern-uav-1155938222
134. The Guardian. (2013). Flying aid drones tested in Haiti and Dominican Republic. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2013/jan/09/flying-aid-drones-haiti-dominicanrepublic
135. Türk Hava Kurumu. (2024). İnsansız hava araçları (İHA). https://thk.org.tr/Iha
136. UTİKAD. (2018). PTT ‘drone’ ile 20 km’ye kadar kargo taşıyacak. https://www.utikad.org.tr/Detay/Sektor-Haberleri/24738/ptt-%E2%80%98drone--ile-20-km-ye-kadarkargo-tasiyacak
137. Van Cleave, D. W. (2003). Trends and technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles. In T. Samad & G. Balas (Eds.), Software-enabled control: Information technology for dynamical systems (pp. 9–26). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/047172288X
138. Vashchenko, A. N., Grigoriev, M. N., & Zhang, Z. (2024). Development of civilian heavy cargo UAVs in China: Achievements, experience, and prospects for cooperation with Russia. Aerospace Engineering and Technology, 2(4), 80–106. https://doi.org/10.52467/2949-401X-2024-2-4-80-106
139. Villi, O., & Yakar, M. (2022). İnsansız hava araçlarının kullanım alanları ve sensör tipleri. Türkiye İnsansız Hava Araçları Dergisi, 4(2), 73–100. https://doi.org/10.51534/tiha.1189263
140. Wang, D. (2016, January 5). The economics of drone delivery. IEEE Spectrum. https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-economics-of-drone-delivery
141. West, J. P., & Bowman, J. S. (2016). The domestic use of drones: An ethical analysis of surveillance issues. Public Administration Review, 76(4), 649–659. https://doi.org/10.1111/puar.12506
142. Whittle, R. (2014). Predator: The secret origins of the drone revolution. Henry Holt and Company.
143. Yiğit, A. Y., & Uysal, M. (2021). Yüksek çözünürlüklü insansız hava aracı (İHA) görüntülerinden karayolların tespiti. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, 10(3), 1040–1054. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.900817
144. Yiğit, E., Yazar, İ., & Karakoç, T. H. (2018). İnsansız hava araçları (İHA)’nın kapsamlı sınıflandırması ve gelecek perspektifi. Sürdürülebilir Havacılık Araştırmaları Dergisi, 3(1), 10–19. https://izlik.org/JA33PT44RM
145. Yolcu, S. (2021). Dikine kalkış ve iniş yapabilen yüksek seyir hızına sahip insansız hava aracı tasarımı ve üretimi [Yayınlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi.
146. Yoo, W., Yu, E., & Jung, J. (2018). Drone delivery: Factors affecting the public’s attitude and intention to adopt. Telematics and Informatics, 35(6), 1687–1700. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2018.04.014
147. Zhou, M., Zhou, Z., Liu, L., Huang, J., & Lv, Z. (2020). Review for vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing UAV and its application prospect in precision agriculture. International Journal of Precision Agricultural Aviation, 3(4), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.33440/j.ijpaa.20200304.130
148. Zhou, Q., & Tan, F. (2024). Avionics of electric vertical take-off and landing in the urban air mobility: A review. IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1109/MAES.2024.3488655
149. Zong, J., Zhu, B., Hou, Z., Yang, X., & Zhai, J. (2021). Evaluation and comparison of hybrid wing VTOL UAV with four different electric propulsion systems. Aerospace, 8(9), Article 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace8090256