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

3 June/July 2017 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | June/July 2017 04 Intro When we look back on the unmanned systems landscape of 2017, the one word we might use to describe it will be Hybrid – in terms of flight mode and type of motive power 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info Dedicated DSP core for driverless cars unveiled, underwater navigation heads into low-cost realm, first direct injected UAV rotary engine launched, flying snakes inspire a new method of propulsion, and much more 1 8 In conversation: Orin Hoffman The chief roboticist in a team of volunteers explains how they are using an unmanned system to grapple with the predatory menace of lionfish in the Caribbean 22 Dossier: Quantum Tron An object lesson in how to develop a UAV that is designed to be as simple and foolproof to operate as an iPhone 32 Focus: Radio links and telemetry As standard implementations of wireless comms begin to emerge, we compare the various frequency bands, protocols and topologies for controlling unmanned systems 4 2 Insight: UAVs We look at the new designs and technologies that UAV developers are using to boost the speed and endurance of their craft 5 0 Dossier: Protonex fuel cell How the internal combustion engine in the Insitu ScanEagle can be replaced with a fuel cell powertrain – without having to make any other modifications 60 Focus: Engine ancillary systems What options are available for creating an integrated UAV power plant? Here’s a guide to the fuel pumps, electrical and ignition systems, and more 70 Show report: AUVSI Xponential 2017 More than 3000 organisations from 30 countries make this a crucial unmanned systems exhibition, but if you weren’t able to attend here’s our in-depth review of what was on show 82 PS: Mass-market HCCI Homogenous charge compression ignition engines are ideal for UAVs but they’re complicated and therefore expensive. Now one engine developer has found a way around that 60 42 22 32 06