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

78 Mejzlik launched a range of new propellers at the show, in response to rising customer demand for specific applications. For multicopter UASs requiring higher maximum thrust, the new HD (Heavy Duty) two-bladed propellers have an enlarged and thus strengthened centre for higher torsional and bending moment. The HD props will be available in diameters from 16 to 30 in, with immediate models measuring 28 x 9.4 in in diameter and pitch. The weight of prop material is also reduced compared with purely carbon composite props, by using Mejzlik’s established combination of high tensile strength roving carbon fibre ‘shells’ and polyurethane ‘cores’. The company showcased three-bladed propellers as well, of 16 x 5.5 in and 28 x 9.4 in, for UAV designers seeking reduced vibration and acoustic signature. For manufacturers wishing to minimise noise but who cannot use three-bladed propellers because of weight/power concerns, Mejzlik also unveiled its W (Wide) line of two-bladed versions with an increased blade chord of roughly 20% over its standard designs. They will be available in diameters from 16 to 30 in, and are available in 27 x 8.2 in and 28 x 9.4 in versions as well as a three-bladed variant measuring 16 x 5.5 in. “Our propellers are designed in cooperation with The Military Technical Institute, a state enterprise established by the Czech Ministry of Defence to provide strategic technology services to national defence and security. At the moment, tests are run on our test bench where we examine thrust, fuel consumption, noise, rpm, efficiency and vibrations,” explained Katerina Szombath. Embention released the latest edition of its Veronte autopilot at the show. The module’s size and weight have been optimised and it also integrates a number of new components and features. A second GPS receiver has been installed to improve navigation reliability and estimate UAV attitude without reliance on a magnetometer; it also improves RTK positioning. A second IMU has been added as well for redundancy in navigation. “On the embedded comms board, we have added a 4G module, with which you can communicate to the mobile phone network and control the UAV with any PC connected to the internet,” Javier Espuch told us. “We undertook significant work to optimise the electronics surface and form factor to include many of the same components in a smaller space with a robust form factor. We also moved to the newest sensors to increase performance.” Swift Navigation and Carnegie Robotics unveiled the Duro, a ruggedised version of the former’s Piksi Multi RTK GNSS receiver, which is expected to enter production during Q3 2017. The system features an integrated heat sink to balance system-wide thermal performance regardless of mounting orientation (a straight-fin array would perform worse horizontally), as well as an antenna mounting plate with captive fasteners from Penn Engineering & June/July 2017 | Unmanned Systems Technology Mejzlik used the show to unveil a range of new propellers Embention’s latest version of its Veronte autopilot