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The terms "autonomous" and "unmanned" aircraft are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:

Unmanned Aircraft:
- Definition: An unmanned aircraft (UA) is any aircraft that is operated without a human pilot on board. These aircraft are often referred to as drones or UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles).
- Control: Unmanned aircraft can be remotely piloted or controlled by a human operator from the ground. They can also be pre-programmed to follow a set flight path but require human intervention for decision-making and adjustments.

Autonomous Aircraft:
- Definition: An autonomous aircraft is a type of unmanned aircraft that operates without real-time human input. It uses advanced algorithms, sensors, and artificial intelligence to make decisions and navigate on its own.
- Control: Autonomous aircraft are capable of executing complex missions independently, such as avoiding obstacles, landing, and adjusting flight paths based on environmental conditions. They can perform these tasks without human intervention.

Key Differences:
- Human Involvement: Unmanned aircraft can be controlled by humans remotely, whereas autonomous aircraft operate independently without real-time human control.
- Decision-Making: Autonomous aircraft have the capability to make real-time decisions and adapt to changes during the mission, whereas unmanned aircraft typically require human input for decision-making.

Examples:
- Unmanned Aircraft: A remote-controlled drone used for aerial photography.
- Autonomous Aircraft: A self-navigating drone that can autonomously survey a large agricultural field and adjust its path based on real-time data.