ISO 24354-2023 PDF
Name in English:
St ISO 24354-2023
Name in Russian:
Ст ISO 24354-2023
Original standard ISO 24354-2023 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ISO 24354:2023 — General requirements for the payload interface of civil unmanned aircraft systems. This international standard specifies composition, functional and performance requirements for physically independent payload interfaces that connect external payloads to civil unmanned aircraft with maximum take-off mass from 0.25 kg up to 25 kg (levels II–IV as referenced in classification guidance).
Abstract
This document defines the mechanical, electrical and functional elements of a payload interface for small and light civil UAS. It covers required interface composition, expected performance, basic environmental and safety considerations, and applicability to the design and manufacture of detachable payload interfaces intended to be carried and operated by the unmanned aircraft. The standard is aimed at ensuring interoperable, safe and testable payload connections for UAS in the specified mass/level range.
General information
- Status: Published / Current
- Publication date: 3 August 2023
- Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- ICS / categories: 49.020 (Aircraft and space vehicles in general)
- Edition / version: Edition 1 (2023)
- Number of pages: 8
Scope
Applies to the design and manufacture of physically independent payload interfaces that connect an external payload to a civil unmanned aircraft (UA) whose maximum take-off mass is between 0.25 kg and 25 kg. The standard addresses functional and performance requirements necessary to achieve reliable, safe and interoperable payload mounting and operation for UAS classified at levels II through IV per ISO classification guidance. It is not a complete systems standard for the aircraft or payload themselves but focuses on the interface between them.
Key topics and requirements
- Definition of payload interface composition (mechanical attachment, latching/locking, alignment features).
- Electrical power delivery characteristics and connector requirements (voltage, current, protection, wiring).
- Data and communications interface requirements (signal types, grounding, EMC considerations).
- Mechanical load, vibration and environmental performance expectations for the attachment and connectors.
- Identification, labelling and marking of interfaces for interoperability and safety.
- Basic verification and test requirements to demonstrate correct function and secure attachment under expected flight conditions.
- Requirements to mitigate hazards introduced by payloads (fail-safe behavior, retention under load, emergency release where applicable).
Typical use and users
Used by UAS manufacturers, payload and sensor manufacturers, integrators, design engineers, test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies. It is also useful to procurement teams, certification/approval authorities and system integrators who need to ensure mechanical, electrical and data interoperability between payloads and small civil unmanned aircraft in the covered mass range.
Related standards
Closely related to ISO 21895 (categorization and classification of civil UAS), which supplies the level/class framework referenced in ISO 24354. Other associated documents in the ISO/TC 20/SC 16 UAS family include standards covering flight control systems, vibration test methods and training/operational guidance (for example, ISO 24355 and ISO 5309 and related UAS series standards), which together address complementary aspects of UAS design, testing and operations.
Keywords
UAS, unmanned aircraft systems, payload interface, payload adapter, connector, mechanical latching, power interface, data interface, ISO 24354, small unmanned aircraft, MTOM 0.25–25 kg
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ISO 24354:2023 is an international standard that specifies general requirements for the payload interface of civil unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the small/light category (maximum take-off mass ≈ 0.25–25 kg).
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers the composition, functional and performance requirements of physically independent payload interfaces including mechanical attachment, electrical power delivery, data interfaces, environmental and basic safety/testing expectations for those interfaces.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Manufacturers of UAS and payloads, integrators, design engineers, test labs, conformity assessors and regulatory/certification stakeholders who need standardized interface requirements for small civil UAS.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: Current — ISO 24354 was published as Edition 1 on 3 August 2023 and is the active international standard for its scope.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/TC 20/SC 16 portfolio addressing UAS topics and should be read alongside related UAS standards (for example ISO 21895 for classification, ISO 24355 for flight control system requirements, and other test and operational standards).
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Payload interface, UAS payload, connector, latching mechanism, power interface, data interface, small unmanned aircraft systems, interoperability, ISO 24354.