Unmanned Systems Technology 014 | Quantum Tron | Radio links and telemetry | Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | Protonex fuel cell | Ancillary systems | AUVSI 2017 Show report

that require stable flight at a constant distance above the ground, however, the less-than-optimum efficiency of continuous operation at low power is accepted. The two rear motors can also be restarted in cruise mode to provide braking thrust to slow it down more quickly and in a short distance: the process takes 5-6 s and 60-100 m. Operations to and from confined areas are possible, and the Tron has operated from a ship deck. Selection of the motors came after an exhaustive test programme, Seibel says. “We spent hundreds of hours testing different motors, and came up with a special design by one of the world’s leading manufacturers in that area.” He won’t reveal who makes the propulsion motors, but says they are each rated at 1200 W for 120 s and feature integral cooling fans. To hover at 14 kg gross weight, the Tron needs about 2800 W, falling to about 1400 W for climbing at an angle of 30° and falling again to an undisclosed figure (but below 300 W) for cruising flight. It is a similar story with the electronic speed controllers (ESCs). Quantum A carbon framework inside the fuselage behind the nose cone supports avionics modules and is screwed into the composite fuselage