Automated readiness evaluation system (ARES) for use with an unmanned aircraft system (UAS)

An unmanned aircraft system (UAS), comprising:

• a processor executing code to provide an automated readiness evaluation system (ARES);
• and
• a user input device receiving user input indicating a selected task for the UAS;
• wherein the ARES selects, from a plurality of potential components for a UAV, a set of components for assembling into the UAV based on the selected task for the UAS, and
• wherein the ARES communicates the selected set of components along with an identifier for each of the components to the user input device for display.

A method of operating a UAS, comprising:

• with an input device, receiving first user input selecting a task for the UAS and second user input providing a skill level of an operator of the UAS;
• with a processor, determining, based on the skill level of the operator of the UAS, a set of hardware modules for performing the task;
• and
• displaying on a display device the set of hardware modules.