My work in one place: academic papers on unmanned systems, ISR and aviation safety, shorter writing on autonomy and leadership, and reviews published elsewhere. Newest first in each section. Also on Google Scholar.
Papers (10)
Edge ISR: Revolutionizing Intelligence in Contested Environments
Over the Horizon Journal, April 2025
Edge computing architectures for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in contested, bandwidth-constrained environments.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Edge ISR: Revolutionizing Intelligence in Contested Environments." Over the Horizon Journal, April 25, 2025. https://othjournal.com/2025/04/25/edge-isr-revolutionizing-intelligence-in-contested-environments/.
Blakeney, R. (2025, April 25). Edge ISR: Revolutionizing Intelligence in Contested Environments. Over the Horizon Journal. https://othjournal.com/2025/04/25/edge-isr-revolutionizing-intelligence-in-contested-environments/
@article{blakeney2025edge,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Edge ISR: Revolutionizing Intelligence in Contested Environments},
journal = {Over the Horizon Journal},
year = {2025},
month = apr,
url = {https://othjournal.com/2025/04/25/edge-isr-revolutionizing-intelligence-in-contested-environments/}
}A Systematic Review of Current Adaptive Human-Machine Interface Research
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · UNSY 691 Graduate Capstone, October 2020
Comprehensive systematic review of 108 peer-reviewed samples examining how intelligent interfaces can dynamically adjust to operator cognitive state, workload, and situational awareness in unmanned aircraft systems.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "A Systematic Review of Current Adaptive Human-Machine Interface Research." Graduate capstone paper, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Worldwide Campus), 2020. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/adaptive-hmi.html.
Blakeney, R. (2020). A Systematic Review of Current Adaptive Human-Machine Interface Research [Graduate capstone paper, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Worldwide Campus)]. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/adaptive-hmi.html
@mastersthesis{blakeney2020systematic,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {A Systematic Review of Current Adaptive Human-Machine Interface Research},
school = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Worldwide Campus)},
type = {Graduate capstone paper},
year = {2020},
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/adaptive-hmi.html}
}Workload Analysis of Menu Layering in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Control Stations
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · ASCI 638, May 2020
Human-factors analysis of how menu layering in unmanned aircraft control stations affects operator workload, drawing on design standards and mishap research.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Workload Analysis of Menu Layering in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Control Stations." Course paper, ASCI 638: Human Factors in Unmanned Aerospace Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, May 17, 2020. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/menu-layering-workload.html.
Blakeney, R. (2020, May 17). Workload Analysis of Menu Layering in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Control Stations [Unpublished course paper, ASCI 638]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/menu-layering-workload.html
@techreport{blakeney2020workload,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Workload Analysis of Menu Layering in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Control Stations},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide},
type = {Course paper},
number = {ASCI 638},
year = {2020},
month = may,
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/menu-layering-workload.html}
}Autonomous Cargo Aviation
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · UNSY 601, March 2020
Research on fully autonomous cargo aircraft systems — operational feasibility, safety protocols, and economics.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Autonomous Cargo Aviation." Course paper, UNSY 601: Unmanned Systems Command, Control, and Communications, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, March 8, 2020. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/autonomous-cargo-aviation.html.
Blakeney, R. (2020, March 8). Autonomous Cargo Aviation [Unpublished course paper, UNSY 601]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/autonomous-cargo-aviation.html
@techreport{blakeney2020autonomous,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Autonomous Cargo Aviation},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide},
type = {Course paper},
number = {UNSY 601},
year = {2020},
month = mar,
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/autonomous-cargo-aviation.html}
}Organizational Safety Effects in Flight Operations
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · ASCI 634, May 2018
Analysis of organizational factors affecting safety outcomes across aviation organizations.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Organizational Safety Effects in Flight Operations." Course paper, ASCI 634: Aviation/Aerospace Psychology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, May 13, 2018. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/organizational-safety.html.
Blakeney, R. (2018, May 13). Organizational Safety Effects in Flight Operations [Unpublished course paper, ASCI 634]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/organizational-safety.html
@techreport{blakeney2018organizational,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Organizational Safety Effects in Flight Operations},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide},
type = {Course paper},
number = {ASCI 634},
year = {2018},
month = may,
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/organizational-safety.html}
}Automated Snow Plow
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · UNSY 610, March 2018
How autonomous snow plows could keep roads clear when crews must stop in heavy snow, using North Dakota's highway operations as the case.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Automated Snow Plow." Course paper, UNSY 610: Unmanned Systems Autonomy and Automation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, March 2, 2018. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/automated-snow-plow.html.
Blakeney, R. (2018, March 2). Automated Snow Plow [Unpublished course paper, UNSY 610]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/automated-snow-plow.html
@techreport{blakeney2018automated,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Automated Snow Plow},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide},
type = {Course paper},
number = {UNSY 610},
year = {2018},
month = mar,
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/automated-snow-plow.html}
}HALE Solar Hybrid Applications
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · UNSY 615, October 2017
High-altitude long-endurance aircraft powered by solar-hybrid propulsion for sustainable aviation.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "HALE Solar Hybrid Applications." Course paper, UNSY 615: Unmanned Systems Power, Propulsion, and Maneuvering, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, October 1, 2017. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/hale-solar-hybrid.html.
Blakeney, R. (2017, October 1). HALE Solar Hybrid Applications [Unpublished course paper, UNSY 615]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/hale-solar-hybrid.html
@techreport{blakeney2017hale,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {HALE Solar Hybrid Applications},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide},
type = {Course paper},
number = {UNSY 615},
year = {2017},
month = oct,
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/hale-solar-hybrid.html}
}Air to Air Sense and Avoid on UAS
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · UNSY 605, 2017
Comprehensive research on unmanned aircraft collision avoidance systems for increasingly congested airspace.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Air to Air Sense and Avoid on UAS." Course paper, UNSY 605: Unmanned Systems Sensing, Perception, and Processing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2017. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/air-to-air-sense-and-avoid.html.
Blakeney, R. (2017). Air to Air Sense and Avoid on UAS [Unpublished course paper, UNSY 605]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/air-to-air-sense-and-avoid.html
@techreport{blakeney2017air,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Air to Air Sense and Avoid on UAS},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University},
type = {Course paper},
number = {UNSY 605},
year = {2017},
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/air-to-air-sense-and-avoid.html}
}Information on Safely Integrating UAS in the NAS
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · RSCH 665, 2016
Literature-based assessment of the safety risks and viability of letting unmanned aircraft fly in the National Airspace System alongside manned aircraft.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Information on Safely Integrating UAS in the NAS." Course paper, RSCH 665: Statistical Analysis, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2016. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/uas-nas-integration.html.
Blakeney, R. (2016). Information on Safely Integrating UAS in the NAS [Unpublished course paper, RSCH 665]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/uas-nas-integration.html
@techreport{blakeney2016information,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Information on Safely Integrating UAS in the NAS},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University},
type = {Course paper},
number = {RSCH 665},
year = {2016},
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/uas-nas-integration.html}
}Viability of Unmanned Aircraft Replacing Cargo Aircraft Pilots
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · UNSY 501, 2016
Assessment of operational, economic, and regulatory viability of unmanned cargo aviation.
Cite this
Blakeney, Ryan. "Viability of Unmanned Aircraft Replacing Cargo Aircraft Pilots." Course paper, UNSY 501: Application of Unmanned Systems, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2016. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/viability-uas.html.
Blakeney, R. (2016). Viability of Unmanned Aircraft Replacing Cargo Aircraft Pilots [Unpublished course paper, UNSY 501]. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/viability-uas.html
@techreport{blakeney2016viability,
author = {Blakeney, Ryan},
title = {Viability of Unmanned Aircraft Replacing Cargo Aircraft Pilots},
institution = {Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University},
type = {Course paper},
number = {UNSY 501},
year = {2016},
url = {https://ryanblakeney.com/papers/viability-uas.html}
}Writing (27)
Layered Mentorship
Leadership · July 17, 2022
Mentorship these days has been viewed through the lens of sending a text to check on someone now and then, asking how they are doing. The term mentors…
AirSim: Using Python to fly a sUAS
Autonomy and AI · April 17, 2021
As I have gone through the motions to teach myself how to use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, I have started to build out my small skill…
Why do we use a Virtual Environment in Machine Learning?
Autonomy and AI · December 27, 2020
I started learning Machine Learning by using a tutorial on YouTube. In this tutorial, one of the first things we did was create a virtual environment…
Machine Learning Update
Autonomy and AI · December 26, 2020
I have been reading the book titled Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow: Concepts, Tools, and Techniques to Build Intel…
Python Line of Sight Calculator
Autonomy and AI · December 21, 2020
In learning machine learning and Python, I created a mini-project to help determine the Python language and the math behind it. Using this code, I can…
What Neural Networks can do for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Autonomy and AI · December 19, 2020
Dahl, R., Norouzi, M., & Shlens, J. 2017. probabilistic pixel recursive super resolution model…
Supervised, Unsupervised, Semisupervised, and Reinforcement Learning
Autonomy and AI · December 11, 2020
When looking at machine learning, one of the first concepts that are taught is the types of algorithms that are used to sift through the data. Underst…
Starting Machine Learning
Autonomy and AI · December 2, 2020
I was reading tech articles and I came across this article from Gizmodo. After reading the article, I found the paper here. This sparked an interest i…
What is Strategic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance?
ISR · October 21, 2020
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance ISR is a critical piece of any military capability to understand an adversary. The use of aircraft, sat…
Influences on Memory
Human factors · June 27, 2020
The use of short term type memory to not only listen but to visually see something while still cognitively understanding at the same time is referred…
Alertness in Sustained, Selective, Alternating, and Divided Attention
Human factors · June 18, 2020
In this module, I believe the most significant challenge to alertness is sustained attention. If you have ever driven a car, you know that you are dri…
How Neuroplasticity Affects Perception & Performance
Human factors · June 14, 2020
As humans experience events in their lives, their brain reshapes or changes the neurons in their brain. The changes in the brain from experience are c…
Human Thinking and Artificial Intelligence
Autonomy and AI · June 6, 2020
Artificial Intelligence AI or a functioning system that can think as a human can change definition over time based on discoveries and increases in com…
Neural Networks and Human-Machine Interactions
Autonomy and AI · June 6, 2020
The use of human and machine thinking in a dynamic system can potentially increase the capabilities of the system. With the use of machine learning an…
DJI Mavic Mini Mishap Investigation
Human factors · May 7, 2020
In an article written by Jhaveri 2020, he explains the events that unfolded to the eventual crash and loss of his DJI Mavic Mini. Jhaveri, referred to…
Levels of Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in UAS
Autonomy and AI · May 4, 2020
Researchers from different backgrounds have worked to create a method for measuring the Levels of Autonomy LoA in Unmanned Aircraft Systems UAS Elliot…
Unmanned and Manned Aircraft Autonomy
Autonomy and AI · April 30, 2020
Several researchers from many backgrounds have sought to create a methodology to measure Levels of Autonomy LoA Elliot & Stewart, 2011. These LoA can…
Physiological Issues in UAS
Human factors · April 22, 2020
Physiological issues in Unmanned Aircraft Systems UAS cover multiple areas to include stress, lack of sleep, sickness, and physical discomfort. Many O…
UAS Integration into the NAS
Unmanned systems · April 18, 2020
NextGen and Unmanned Aircraft Systems UAS Traffic Management System UTM are future advancements for the National Airspace System NAS . These new techn…
Risk Management and Aeronautical Decision Making
Human factors · April 16, 2020
Essential elements of Aeronautical Decision Making ADM are composed of multiple aspects of the pilot’s mind, physical state, the state of the equipmen…
UAM, UTM, and NextGen
Unmanned systems · April 9, 2020
Urban Air Mobility UAM is the commercial use of carrying goods and people using manned or unmanned systems. Air Taxi and Parcel delivery are two examp…
Instructors Shape the Fight
Leadership · April 5, 2020
Instructors are the lifeblood of a unit. They can break down a cocky mentality and reach down to raise someone up who needed to be shown the path to s…
ERAU Virtual HUB
Unmanned systems · March 30, 2020
For this week I developed and tested a UAS using the ERAU Virtual HUB program. I chose the “missing hiker” scenario. To look for the missing hiker, I…
Three Human Factors for UAS
Human factors · March 25, 2020
Human factors can fall into multiple categories for unmanned systems. This can include the Human-Computer Interface HCI or even the control links that…
UAS Human Factors
Human factors · March 21, 2020
I have started a new term with ERAU. The title of the course is ACSCI 638 Human Factors in Unmanned Aerospace Systems. In this course, we are discussi…
Why Small Drones Are the Future of Military Reconnaissance
Unmanned systems · January 4, 2020
There are currently many large drones flown by the U.S. Air Force. Most of these fall into the category of Group 5. These are primarily the RQ-4 varia…
UAS Space Based Systems on Mars
Unmanned systems · December 30, 2019
When looking at operations of UAS on Mars, we must first identify what application we are designing the system for. There are currently two operation…
Elsewhere (3)
I Intend To... (review of Turn the Ship Around!) ↗
DODReads · Book reviews · January 8, 2021
Published on DODReads; linked to the source. · L. David Marquet
Strategy: Context and Adaptation from Archidamus to Airpower (book review) ↗
DODReads · Book reviews · November 13, 2020
Published on DODReads; linked to the source. · Forsyth, Yeisley and Bailey
The Accidental Superpower (book review) ↗
DODReads · Book reviews · October 27, 2020
Published on DODReads; linked to the source. · Peter Zeihan