What is the main purpose of anti-collision lights for a sUAS operation at night?

The main purpose of anti-collision lights for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operation at night is to comply with regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation authorities have established regulations regarding nighttime flight operations, which include requirements for visibility and marking of aircraft. Anti-collision lights serve to enhance the visibility of the sUAS in the night sky, making it easier for other pilots and air traffic to detect its presence. This is crucial for safety to avoid collisions and ensure that the operation is within legal boundaries.

While illumination of the flight path or aiding the operator in seeing the sUAS may seem beneficial, those functions are secondary to regulatory compliance. Keeping the sUAS visible to other aircraft is also important but primarily done to adhere to safety regulations designed to prevent accidents during nighttime flying.