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

27 Quantum Tron | Dossier the latter is a 1.57 kg multi-sensor turret that supports optional sensors including a 640 x 480 element infrared sensor with a 60 mm IR lens. The company says its direct-drive torque motor stabilisation technology produces stable video even with a 30x zoom lens, a capability supplemented by electronic stabilisation. A scene-steering algorithm will hold the video centred on the scene, independent of the Tron’s movement. Payloads Specialised payloads integrated so far include 24 and 42 MP Sony cameras, a Riegl miniVUX Lidar and environmental gas and pollution sniffers, and a higher resolution multi-spectral sensor from Tetracam. Work continues to integrate other sensors, including a military-grade multi-sensor stabilised turret complete with an antenna tracking system for security applications. The short-range C2 datalink operates on 433 MHz and runs Quantum’s own protocol designed to avoid interference with the growing number of airborne UAVs. There is also a second link, from Satel, that stretches the comms range to about 15-20 km, but the company is testing antenna tracking systems to extend that, while also working with a French company on a satcom C2 link that weighs 200 g. The Tron is designed to achieve a mean time between failures of 1000 flight hours, with overhauls at 250 hours in which motors and servos are checked and replaced if necessary, the principal wear- and-tear items being the ball bearings. The element of the Tron in which Quantum has invested most time and resources is the flight control and mission management system, which is all built in-house. Seibel says, “We are looking at being able to certify the whole system to make it ready for BVLOS operation. That is a key element of our business plan.” The autopilot features triple IMUs and a redundant power supply. In addition to the IMUs, it is supplied with position, navigation and timing data from a multi- GNSS receiver system, which Quantum is currently upgrading to provide centimetric precision through a real-time kinematic system, which should be ready next year. The greatest developmental challenge, Seibel says, was the lack of computer models capable of simulating the transition between vertical to horizontal flight for a quad tiltrotor. He emphasises that this is a much more complex task to carry out with tilting rotors than it is for craft with separate lift and thrust systems. To tackle this, the company has invested in an engineering simulation set-up with both hardware and software in the loop that enables it to test and implement new features quickly, something that is also a vital tool in the pursuit of certification for the software, enabling it to fly hundreds of simulated Trons at the same time to prove different aspects of the software. “The control concept for hover flight is unique,” Seibel says. “Cross-paired tilting of motors allows for a high yaw moment compared with a motor speed-controlled yaw moment. Unmanned Systems Technology | June/July 2017 Quantum team members assemble the Tron for a survey mission. The recess between the front and rear propellers is for a battery Maximum take-off weight: 14 kg Payload: 2 kg Wing span: 3.5 m Length: 1.8 m Cruise speed: 20 m/s (80 kph) Propulsion: four 1200 W electric motors with two-blade folding propellers Power supply: 5-38 V dc, with up to 100 W available for payloads Batteries: two cross-connected lithium-ion Endurance: 90-120 minutes depending on payload Range: 160 km (theoretical, linear) Launch & recovery: VTOL Data interfaces: CAN bus, RS-232, serial and others Multi-sensor EO/IR payload: DST Multi-sensor EO/IR payload: Octopus ISR Multispectral sensor: Tetracam Cameras: Sony Geospatial software: ESRI Servos: Hitec Servos: Volz Payload data link: Microhard RC transceiver: Multiplex Batteries: Panasonic Lidar: Riegl Long-range data link: Satel GNSS receiver: U-blox Specifications Key suppliers