Unmanned Systems Technology 020 | Alpha 800 I Additive Manufacturing focus I USVs insight I Pegasus GE70 I GuardBot I AUVSI Xponential 2018 show report I Solar Power focus I CUAV Expo Europe 2018 show report

74 as a MIMO or non-MIMO IP mesh radio, a point-to-point COFDM transmitter for video downlink applications or as a streaming COFDM receiver for remote video terminals. “In mesh mode the SOL8SDR-C is particularly suited for small UAV and UGV platforms, and ideal for swarming scenarios,” said Rob Garth. “The mesh is self-forming and self-healing, so it’s very resilient in these applications, even if a number of vehicles drop out of the mesh.” For larger platforms, DTC also offers the SOL8SDR-R (Robust) with industry-standard connectors and a rugged enclosure design, as well as the SOL8SDR-P (Plain) with higher power output for longer-range applications. The company also showcased its NetNode 5W Phase 4R mesh radio. Garth said, “The 5W Phase 4 is particularly suited to maritime applications, and is being used in a number of rigid inflatable USVs as well as larger vessels, where ranges of 100 km or more can be achieved with the right shoreside infrastructure. “Traditional maritime comms systems can suffer badly from surface reflections and antenna movement as the vessel pitches and rolls, but DTC’s custom-developed tactical CODM waveform is extremely resilient in these environments.” DTC uses an in-house modelling tool based on its own theoretical modelling and real-world datasets to simulate the performance of its mesh radio products in marine environments, allowing for the choice of appropriate antennas and power levels for particular applications. Av-DEC showcased its solutions for electrical bonding, corrosion prevention and EMI protection. A key part of the company’s technology combines a non-hazardous polyurethane soft gel with an embedded wire mesh, which creates a bond and watertight seal for applications such as antenna mounts and connectors. The Apply and Fly product is fully cured and die-cut to fit the application. “We use a similar gel with a fibreglass mesh for non-conductive environmental sealing applications such as panels,” Dave Schmidt said. “It inhibits corrosion by eliminating the electrolyte/water from the corrosion equation.” The company also supplies military- approved electrical wire-harness backshell sealants designed for injection and removal without affecting wires or connectors. “You can use them as a coating or for filling voids or cavities,” Schmidt added. The large UAV OEMs use these materials during production. Schmidt noted that aircraft operating in maritime environments will be particularly vulnerable to corrosion, and will be subjected to EMI from onboard or external sources. Controp USA debuted its T-Stamp-XR gyro-stabilised EO/IR system for tactical UASs at the show. “It weighs 7.7 lb, and has two lenses – one for its thermal camera and another for the HD day camera,” said Guy Oren. “There is also a version with laser capabilities, which helps for Group 2 UAV missions.” The system uses two outer gimbals and a third inner gimbal that is shrouded against wind and dust, to provide three- axis stabilisation on objects tracked by line of sight. The payload measures 7 in across and 11.8 in high. June/July 2018 | Unmanned Systems Technology Av-DEC’s solution for electrical bonding, corrosion prevention and EMI shielding The Controp USA T-Stamp-XR EO/IR system fitted to a tactical UAS