Q. With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements :
I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None
Correct Answer: (d) None
UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution
Explanation :
I. “All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.” This statement is incorrect. UAVs come in various types, such as fixed-wing UAVs, rotary-wing UAVs (multirotors), and hybrid UAVs. Fixed-wing UAVs typically require a runway or landing strip and cannot perform vertical landings. Only rotary-wing or hybrid UAVs can perform vertical landings.
II. “All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.” This statement is incorrect. Fixed-wing UAVs cannot hover in place because they rely on forward motion to generate lift. Only rotary-wing UAVs (such as quadcopters or helicopters) or certain hybrid UAVs can hover.
III. “All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.” This statement is incorrect. While many small UAVs use batteries, larger UAVs or specialized UAVs may use other power sources such as gasoline engines, hybrid power systems, solar power, or fuel cells.
Thus, none of the given statements are correct.
