Unmanned Systems Technology 026 I Tecdron TC800-FF I Propellers I USVs I AUVSI 2019 part 1 I Robby Moto UAVE I Singular Aircraft FlyOx I Teledyne SeaRaptor I Simulation & Testing I Ocean Business 2019 report

79 Singular Aircraft FlyOx | Digest prevents the pilot getting a good feel for the aircraft, he says. Pilots trained on instrumentation, with IFR, are a little better at the remote operation, as they are used to relying purely on the instruments. “If you are a VFR [visual] pilot it’s even worse,” Lostao says. So Singular developed and built its own ground control station (GCS) based around standard tablet computer technology so that the aircraft can operate fully autonomously, and the pilot becomes the mission controller rather than flying it directly. “We manufacture our own GCS because the equipment we have found so far lacks security or is way off in pricing,” Lostao says. The GCS, coupled with the autopilot of choice, allows the remote operator to be the mission manager, selecting waypoints and the drop point, rather than flying under constant remote control. The GCS technology is also used for a pilot training module (PTM), a one-sixth scale version of the FlyOx. The stability and control performances of the PTM are the same as for the full-size aircraft, with the same power-to-weight ratio and controls, so that the pilot experiences exactly the same performance. Future plans The FlyOx has been tested in the US but it is Africa that offers the most immediate opportunities. Kenya for example is opening up its regulations for commercial UAV operations, following the lead of Rwanda. Astral Aviation in Kenya has set up a subsidiary called Astral Aerial Solutions, which will use the FlyOx. Astral is starting a pilot programme, and that will be followed by an application for certification and then regular commercial cargo operation, for example to deliver spare parts to oil and gas companies and for e-commerce deliveries. It is also working with UN agencies to operate in areas hit by natural disasters and famines for more effective delivery of food and medicines. Unmanned Systems Technology | June/July 2019 The FlyOx uses two, three-blade propellers to get the maximum range and cargo capacity Singular developed its own ground control station to assist with remote operation of the aircraft in difficult environments