Unmanned Systems Technology 015 | Martin UAV V-Bat | William Sachiti | Sonar Systems | USVs | Desert Aircraft DA150 EFI | SeaCat AUV/ROV | Gimbals

81 redundant IMUs, compasses, barometers and GNSS, all in a 127 x 73 x 33 mm unit while supporting RTK for further navigation accuracy and geo-referencing. The Ireland-based company also displayed its CGT45-SLT (Separate Lift and Thrust) UAV, powered by the PilotUS flight computer to launch vertically and transition into fixed-wing flight.  “It was originally just a demonstrator for the power of our autopilot, but we then productionised it as we are one of only a few companies that can provide SLT with a fuel engine – in our case a 70 cc, 6 hp gasoline engine with 1900-7000 operating rpm. We will be conducting landing tests on ships and moving targets in the next year,” Celik added. Software engineering company ALX Systems, of Belgium, had on show its developments in computer vision analytics for intelligent UAV operations. ALX’s operating system stitches together information from autopilots and sensors with its own behavioural engines, to provide autonomous navigation and sense-and- avoid capabilities through its cloud server, which interfaces either directly with the client’s UAV across a 4G link or indirectly via the ground control station. The operating system’s computer vision analytics are based on ALX’s Artificial Intelligence Engine, which uses self- learning algorithms designed in-house. Although the algorithms are still at the proprietary stage and could not be described in detail, Philippe Van Damme noted, “If a UAV sees something that fits into a defined envelope of anomalies or targets, it transmits the configured message type [by SMS, email or telephone] to the operating personnel, who then determine the appropriate response. “The system carries out onboard calculations and decisions, so it can conduct intelligent surveillance autonomously, and personnel can focus elsewhere, such as the readings being collected and the possibility and nature of potential threats or opportunities apparent from the data.” Latvian manufacturing company Alpha Industrial Drones presented its range of turnkey airframe body solutions that are intended to provide an ergonomic tool for industrial UAS operators needing specific aerial services at short notice.  Artjom Pantelejev said the base platform of its UAVs is a carbon fibre monocoque body, intended to protect the electronics inside, and can be easily sealed against wet environments or upgraded with cooling for hot climates.  “Everything on the airframe is optimised to make it as light and modular as possible, with holes interspersed throughout to enable convenient rewiring and for reducing weight,” Pantelejev said. “The thick carbon tubes and monocoque layers ensure the equipment inside is safe.”  The company also demonstrated a version of its Formica X4-8 with a 25,000 lumen RLX Cx LED spotlight from Luminell attached, for night operations in dockyards or cargo ships. Despite the 9.7 kg weight and high power consumption of the light, the UAV’s endurance remained at 10-15 minutes (depending on usage and other weight factors), during which an operator might use the controllable airborne spotlight to illuminate an intruder or point out damage. Acecore Technologies unveiled its second UAV design at the show. The Zoe quadcopter bears a number of design similarities to the Neo octocopter, including an airframe body built from aviation-grade carbon fibre, and hollow arms that are moulded in upper and lower halves and shaped aerodynamically to reduce drag and vibration, and provide additional stability. Niek Groenendaal said, “The Zoe is smaller and more compact than the Neo, but still has heavy-lift capabilities. It can lift up to 6 kg, although the Neo can carry up to 9 kg, but the Zoe’s minimum take-off weight will be 12 kg, compared with the Neo’s 19 kg. Also, if it carries a light payload, such as 1 kg, it offers up to 40 minutes’ flight time, or with 6 kg in payload then perhaps 10 minutes.” The Zoe’s central unit has a hood that opens manually, enabling new subsystems to be integrated or reconfigured as desired. Mounting brackets on the sides of the hull enable user-friendly installation of new avionics units, and functions as a heat sink. “The Neo’s hub is closed and sealed once we have installed the avionics inside. We wanted to allow users their own preferences on this: for example, we kept space for the integration of an RTK GNSS receiver to ensure users can keep that functionality if they wish.” Each of the Zoe’s two 100 g arms can also be removed for rewiring or to replace motors. They use an interference fit to ‘slide’ into the main body, with Marman clamps for extra fastening. Unmanned Systems Technology | August/September 2017 One of the range of turnkey airframe body solutions from Alpha Industrial Drones