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81 construction and waste management. Users disperse their AeroPoints around the survey area, fly a UAV around it and collect the AeroPoints after the survey is complete. The AeroPoints then automatically connect to a wireless or mobile hotspot when in range, and upload captured positional data to Propeller’s cloud processing engine. Rory San Miguel said, “The cloud engine processes captured data down to accuracies of 2 cm, using post-processed static algorithms and automatically obtained GNSS correction data.” Each AeroPoint module measures 550 x 550 x 32 mm, and weighs 1.55 kg. The system is fully solar powered and requires no further charging. The modules feature simple one-button control, weatherproof enclosure and LiFePO ₄ batteries that are heat-, impact-, puncture- and aviation- safe. The system is IP66-rated for operation even in heavy rain, dust, and temperatures from -20 to +40 C. Austrian company RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems has developed its first UAV platform, the RiCOPTER, for commercial survey applications such as terrain mapping, archaeology and cultural heritage documentation, or topography for open-cast mining. The RiCOPTER comes with the RIEGL VUX-SYS sensor system, which consists of the RIEGL VUX-1UAV Lidar sensor, the AP20 IMU/GNSS module from Applanix, a control unit and up to two optional cameras (nominally two Sony Alpha 6000 digital cameras covering a FOV of 160 º ). The company’s Silvia Zaiser said, “The VUX-1UAV takes up to 350,000 measurements per second across a 330 º FOV, and up to a maximum measuring distance of 920 m, with data accurate to 10 mm. The laser is class 1, and the Lidar scanner typically consumes 60 W of power and can operate using input voltages from 11 to 32 V dc.” The X-8-configured craft typically cruises at 20-30 kph or more and climbs at a maximum rate of 6 m/s; operational ceiling is 3000 m above sea level. Its airframe is made from carbon fibre, and empty take-off weight is 11 kg, with a maximum take-off weight of 25 kg (including payloads and batteries). Its arms can be folded for ease of transportation, and the undercarriage is shock-absorbent to enable safe landings. Singapore-based H3 Dynamics is nearing completion of two new UAVs that use its noncombustible hydrogen fuel cell technologies. The first UAV, the Hywings, is a fixed- wing UAV with a 3 m wingspan, and can fly for up to six hours on an empty weight of 3.1 kg, consuming 200 W while cruising at 54 kph; the maximum speed is 72 kph. The second, the Hycopter, is a 5.2 kg quadcopter currently tested to three hours’ flight time, although the system is being prepared for a four- hour endurance through minor design changes while using the same power system, the hydrogen-gas powered Aeropak-G. H3 also plans to offer Hywings users the option of the Aeropak-L liquid fuel cell, which will provide on-demand power for 10 hours’ endurance. Other development plans include incorporating the solid-fuel Aeropak-S, as well as a VTOL. The Aeropak-S technology can produce up to 700 Wh/kg. “A typical lithium-polymer battery gives about 280 Wh/kg,” Taras Wankewycz said. Both craft also use a 3 litre composite gas cylinder, but future plans include upgrading the Hycopter to a 4 litre tank and the Hywings to a 6.8 litre tank. AerialTronics showcased its flagship UAV, the Altura Zenith, at the show. The Dutch company offers a quadcopter variant, the ATX4, and an octocopter (the ATX8) with motors in an X-8 configuration. Powered by a 22.2 V 10,000 mAh battery, the Altura Zenith ATX4 can fly for up to 30 minutes while unloaded, and carry payloads of up to 1.2 kg, for a maximum take-off weight of 5 kg. The top speed is 10 kph, and in flight the UAV can endure winds of up to 8 m/s. For heavier applications, the ATX8’s eight brushless dc electric motors are powered by a 22.2 V 20,000 mAh battery, which enable a 2.9 kg payload capacity and five minutes’ extra maximum flight time over the ATX4. Winds of up to 12 m/s can be tolerated, and the speed limit is double that of the quadcopter variant, although for both craft the average cruising speed is 5 m/s. “AerialTronics also supplies the Altura Ground Control Station, which communicates with the Zenith over a 2.4 GHz connection and provides the user with a 5.1-5.8 GHz live HD video link,” Coleby Thew said. “Remote piloting is by either the GCS’s joystick or its tablet device; the latter also enables live monitoring of stats including distance and battery usage.” Unmanned Systems Technology | October/November 2016 The RiCOPTER is aimed at applications such as terrain mapping