Issue 45 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Aug/Sept 2022 Tidewie USV Tupan | Performance monitoring | Bayonet 350 | UAVs insight | Xponential 2022 | ULPower UL350i and UL350iHPS | Elroy Air Chaparral | Gimbals | Clogworks Dark Matter

113 Clogworks Dark Matter | Digest Payload support The company has integrated a variety of payloads so far, including DSLR, EO and EO/IR cameras, along with Lidars, searchlights, loudspeakers, telecoms transmitters and delivery boxes. The hX has demonstrated the ability to carry three different payloads at once, the only restrictions being the maximum gross weight of the craft and the physical footprint of the combination of payloads. All payloads are attached to the vehicle via a rail system designed in- house that allows for quick attachment and release of each device, and enables any payload within the weight and volume limits to be carried. Generally, payloads are powered by the vehicle. “Most of the time it is more efficient to draw power from the main power battery, otherwise you can end up carrying unnecessary weight,” Opdam explains. “Payloads tend to use very little power compared to the overall system during flight.” Maintenance, diagnostics and repair From the operator’s perspective, routine maintenance boils down to close visual inspection of all aspects of the aircraft, which is detailed in the manual, and Clogworks has developed its own techniques to locate any faults quickly. “We have become very familiar with all the parts and components, so it is pretty easy for an engineer to track down an issue,” Opdam says. “We also analyse recorded flight logs to help verify the health of a system and, if necessary, take corrective action before an actual fault occurs.” He emphasises that each part has been designed to be easy to disassemble fully for maintenance in Clogworks’ facilities. “When we get an aircraft back here, we use special tools to access the inside of the arms and remove the internal panels in the core to access most of the electronics,” he says. “If required, we can completely strip an aircraft and then rebuild it with new parts and/or the next generation of electronics. That allows us to upgrade an original Dark Matter system to Gen2 specification, for example, protecting the customer’s investment.” In terms of development, Opdam says the Gen2 hX is where they want it to be for the moment, although the company is constantly looking to make marginal gains and refinements, and will continue to work on options and add-ons for the Gen2 systems. Further enhancements are likely in response to customer requests and changing legislation, and these will be embodied in future releases of the Gen2 platform. Uncrewed Systems Technology | August/September 2022 Maximum take-off weight: 18 kg Typical empty weight: 4.7 kg (standard motor), 6 kg (larger motors) Maximum payload: 6 kg Overall dimensions: 1.565 x 1.432 x 0.650 m with props extended Propeller diameter: 20 in, non-folding Nominal battery voltage: 6S, 22.2 V Flight endurance: more than 55 minutes Maximum horizontal speed: 20 m/s Maximum vertical speed: 6 m/s Wind tolerance: 12 m/s Operating temperature: -20 C to +45 C Some key suppliers ADS-B receiver: Uavionix Autopilot software: Ardupilot Autopilot hardware: CubePilot Gimbals: Gremsy Payloads: Shenzhen Viewpro Payloads: Workswell Lidars: Riegl Motors: KDE Electronic speed controllers: KDE Propellers: Mejzlik Specifications Clogworks has developed its own payload support rail system, which has demonstrated the ability to support multiple payloads simultaneously, most of which draw aircraft power