Uncrewed Systems Technology 047 l Aergility ATLIS l AI focus l Clevon 1 UGV l Geospatial insight l Intergeo 2022 report l AUSA 2022 report I Infinity fuel cell l BeeX A.IKANBILIS l Propellers focus I Phoenix Wings Orca

110 Digest | Phoenix Wings Orca also helped in selecting the powertrain components and batteries from databases, choosing the best locations for them on the airframe, and for calculating power consumption figures and ranges for different configurations, speeds and payload/range combinations. Regarding the intended mission, the tool also helped to estimate operating costs, optimise airspeeds and calculate performance against headwinds to work out real-world ranges. It was even used to estimate the production and maintenance costs. The most immediately visible result of this optimisation process is the hexagonal layout of the vertical rotors and the off-centre positioning of the twin cruise propellers. The latter had to be carefully designed to keep adverse yaw forces low enough to allow continued cruise flight on one engine, while providing a yaw moment large enough to maintain directional control after failure of one motor in the hover, Iordache explains. The process also identified the optimum cruise speed to maximise the number of flights in a day. This, Iordache notes, keeps dominant cost drivers such as operator labour low for the same turnaround time. In a hub-to-hub operation, for example, the process proved that carrying parcels in batches is more cost-effective for end-users, even though it requires more payload volume, because it allows the costs to be shared among more parcels. Automated cargo handling While cargo handling is manual initially, compatibility with automated cargo handling systems is planned. This can be seen in features including the powered nose door, automatic payload pallet locking and battery connection, and the belly doors. “A winch will come later, but lightweight cargo drops will be possible without the winch or a dedicated release hook,” Iordache says. “It is also possible to drop the cargo onto the ground.” A dolly for hauling the cargo and batteries between a preparation room and the aircraft is under development. Its use will ensure that the aircraft’s centre of gravity will be correct with the cargo aboard. “This will enable faster turnarounds, more convenience for ramp agents, and safer operations.” Redundancy for reliability A high level of redundancy is crucial for the reliability that express cargo customers require, he says. Also, Phoenix Wings aims to certify the Orca for operation in cities. With these factors in mind, the company designed the Orca to continue its mission safely even after the failure of one of the cruise powertrains, one hover powertrain, one battery, any actuator, one control bus and one air data system. Redundant comms The comms system has access to multiple bearers for redundancy as well, including satcom and cellular systems and the PW Link, developed as mentioned in-house. The cellular system is 4G (LTE) capable with 3G and 2G fallback. Operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, PW Link uses a proprietary protocol and custom radio hardware and software to form a mesh network, a topology that does not need a ‘master’ node. It provides a direct connection to the aircraft that is independent of the internet between ground stations and aircraft December/January 2023 | Uncrewed Systems Technology Payload mass Battery modules Maximum range 15 kg 2 ~60 km 10 kg 3 ~100 km 5 kg 4 ~130 km 1 kg 5 ~160 km Typical payload masses and ranges with different numbers of standard battery modules The nose section opens like that of a large military transport aircraft, providing easy access for loading and unloading