Unmanned Systems Technology 001 | UAV Factory Penguin C | Real-time operating systems | Hirth S1218 two-stroke twin | Base stations | ASV C-Enduro | Composites | Datacomms

12 3 November 2014 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | November 2014 04 Intro This is an exciting time for the unmanned systems industry, given its scope as a open book for technological innovation 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info Hydrogen pellets set to give a huge boost to UAV endurance, powerful microcontroller unveiled for complex machine intelligence, COTS safety-critical system for driverless trains, a magnesium alloy that doesn’t catch fire, and much more… 12 In conversation: Dr Donough Wilson Ian Bamsey talks to innovative designer Dr Donough Wilson about his vision for the next generation of unmanned aircraft 16 Dossier: UAV Factory Penguin C Ian Bamsey visits UAV Factory in Latvia to discover the secrets of the remarkable Penguin C 26 UST online Full details on the easy way to find new suppliers and stay up to date with the latest technological developments 28 Focus: Real-time operating systems Nick Flaherty explains the issues around developing the essential software for safe, secure and reliable autonomous systems 36 Dossier: Hirth S1218 two-stroke twin Ian Bamsey visits Hirth to investigate a state-of-the-art UAV engine that genuinely provides for multi-fuel operation 44 Insight: Airborne base stations UAVs look set to take on a key role as comms base stations – once various engineering challenges have been overcome. Nick Flaherty reports 50 Dossier: The ASV Enduro-C Ian Bamsey investigates an unmanned craft that can operate at sea for months at a time, thanks partly to a sophisticated propulsion system 60 Focus: Composites Composites are a natural fit for unmanned systems. David Cooper explains how the materials are made and used 69 Insight: Datacomms Wide-area comms links will be needed if unmanned systems are to work together. Nick Flaherty reports on strategies to enable this 74 PS: The driverless racecar Is there scope for a driverless racecar? UST asks the experts – and gets some fascinating answers… 16 69 28 44