Unmanned Systems Technology 038 l Skyeton Raybird-3 l Data storage l Sea-Kit X-Class USV l USVs insight l Spectronik PEM fuel cells l Blue White Robotics UVIO l Antennas l AUVSI Xponential Virtual 2021 report

90 Report | AUVSI Xponential Virtual 2021 support different volume and ruggedness requirements, or in an OEM version measuring 29.5 x 25.5 x 16 mm. SBG also provides compatible GNSS antennas, as well as a complete software development kit, including an online ROS driver to speed up software and network evaluations during prototyping. It can also be combined with SBG’s Qinertia post-processing software for UAV surveying missions. Delta Digital Video spoke with us about its new Model 7840R video encoder, a four-channel unit supporting H.265 compression of HD and SD video for real-time transmission and analysis of mission-critical full motion video (FMV). “H.265 compression can match the performance of its predecessor, H.264, while using only half the bandwidth,” said George Nelson. “This allows for transmission of additional channels in existing data links, or opens previously constrained links for FMV transmission.” The system has received two years of development and is currently at a TRL of 9, integrating a number of the latest FPGA and SoC processors. It has been designed to meet the SWaP-C constraints of legacy single- and dual-channel encoders while improving on channel count, compression, quality and latency. It is fully qualified to Mil-Std 810 for environmental ruggedness, 461 for EMI compliance and 704 for power safety. “The best part of development was the initial testing on a UAV that had previously been limited to a single HD downlink; the operators were able to rapidly develop entire new operational techniques and concepts when supplied with simultaneous EO and IR feeds,” Nelson said. The 7840R can be seamlessly integrated into any FMV system accompanied by an easy-to-use web GUI. Mejzlik has developed a new test device it calls BFG-1 to carry out endurance, overspeed and over-torque testing, as required for key airworthiness standards such as CS-P, FAR 35 and AEP-83. The device is driven by a 110 kW electric motor, and together with a 1:3.12 transmission it allows the company’s engineers to spin the propellers at rotational speeds from 500 rpm to up to 9000 rpm. “The power redundancy enables the BFG-1 to spin propellers above their maximum permissible rotation speeds, which is almost impossible with standard propulsion set-ups,” explained Tomas Mejzlik Jr. “The propeller shaft is placed in the centre of a metal ring to protect the other system parts in case of propeller failure. It can accommodate propellers with a diameter up to 2.9 m.” Mejzlik has completed numerous 50- hour endurance tests in line with NATO standard AEP-83 (UL.P.9), with other tests under preparation. Test results come with detailed reports designed to prove the requirement compliance and facilitate the certification (Mejzlik adds that the increased drive for certification testing by its customers was a core motivator for developing the BFG-1). The company has also unveiled new large propellers for the eVTOL and heavy- lift UAV markets. They consist of carbon fibre props measuring 152.4 x 53.3 cm, 177.8 x 60.9 cm and 203.2 x 71.1 cm. “The new propellers’ designs are based on our successful smaller MC/VTOL propellers, but come with several new adjustments around the hubs focused mainly on strength improvement and motor-propeller compatibility,” Mejzlik explained. “We are also working on several custom projects to build even larger propellers with a diameter of around 3 m.” Cargo UAS operator MissionGO spoke to us about its new MG Velos 100 helicopter UAS, which has been designed for operations including routine deliveries of critical medical cargo, high- efficiency commercial and consumer package distribution, and aerial inspections of high-value assets. “The new design includes full redundancy in its propulsion, flight controls and command & control systems, ensuring that the UAS has a level of safety nearly equivalent to manned rotorcraft,” said Frank Paskiewicz. “In addition to its redundancy and multiple fail-safes, it has been June/July 2021 | Unmanned Systems Technology The Mejzlik BFG-1 allows propellers of up to 2.9 m in diameter to be tested for airworthiness