USE Network launch I UAV Works VALAQ l Cable harnesses l USVs insight l Xponential 2020 update l MARIN AUV l Suter Industries TOA 288 l Vitirover l AI systems l Vtrus ABI

28 Managing transitional flight was one of the hardest aspects of the development programme, Ortiz recalls. “It was a very tough challenge at the beginning when we coded the transitions on top of the Multiwii flight stack,” he says. “You need a deep understanding of aerodynamics, coding and control. We worked with the PX4 developers to improve the transitions into the main stack.” The autopilot takes advantage of all the redundancy built into the Cube architecture in terms of navigation electronics, while UAV Works’ own power management electronics duplicate as many supply paths as possible. They also isolate payload signals from the autopilot to avoid a major failure in the former leading to a consequent failure in the latter. “With enough altitude, a motor failure in any flight mode can be managed by putting the aircraft into a controlled glide down to a belly landing,” says Ortiz. The VALAQ 120 It is the third prototype on which the current VALAQ 120 is based, although the 120 is 10% larger with an MTOW of 4 kg, a payload of 800 g, a range of up to 70 km and a flight time of at least 40 minutes with the maximum payload. While the combination of VTOL with long range and endurance is the VALAQ’s main USP, it also exhibits very good behaviour in rough winds, says Osset, and is particularly stable in landing. Low maintenance costs, quietness and ease of use are also plus points, he adds. Osset also says that, in terms of maturity, the aircraft has reached Technology Readiness Level 9 and is ready to go into service with customers. The company will shortly be ready to begin series production of the surveillance and security version, known as the VALAQ Patrol, which is equipped with NextVision’s Colibri 2 stabilised electro-optical turret. Mapping and package delivery configurations as well as larger versions are also in the pipeline. While small, delta-winged UAVs are common, closer examination of the VALAQ reveals some unusual details of its configuration. In planform, it is not a pure delta as the trailing edges are swept and run out to substantial winglets that as well as being aerodynamic surfaces also support the landing gear. The only other movable aerodynamic control surfaces are the elevons, one on the trailing edge of each wing. Trapezoidal quadcopter The propulsion system is also remarkable. It consists of two pairs of electric motor/propeller combinations in pods that, instead of being integrated into the leading edges of the wings, are mounted on pylons, the inner pair above the wing and the outer pair below – or ahead of the wing and behind it if the vehicle is in a vertical attitude. It is this arrangement that makes it a trapezoidal quadcopter for take-off and landing. This combination of a flying wing and trapezoidal propeller arrangement, Ortiz explains, produces the best synergy between the multi-copter propulsion system and wing aerodynamics, maximising the wing’s efficiency and June/July 2020 | Unmanned Systems Technology Dossier | UAV Works VALAQ family Rendering of the VALAQ’s payload dispensing system with its rotating door and sensor-retaining detents Half of the VALAQ’s composite skin with added internal spars, ribs, stringers and bulkheads made from sandwich sheet