Described herein, according to various aspects, are unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that can carry multiple layered modules on a mission. An exemplary UAS may include layered modules that contain functional components such as communication
relay modules, armor, batteries, charging modules, propulsion modules, GPS modules, sensor modules, processors, databases, lights, explosive devices,
electronic attack devices, payloads, flotation and / or
buoyancy control devices, etc. The layered modules can be easily added and / or removed, which allows the UAS to be reconfigured to perform different missions without significantly modifying the structure of the UAS. The layered modules can be deployed at specific locations along a flight path of the UAS to perform location-dependent functionalities (e.g., surveillance of a target region). Multiple layered modules can be coupled to expand upon the
payload capacity and the functionality of the UAS. Such an UAS can thus provide a versatile, multifunctional vessel for performing different autonomous missions for military and commercial applications.