SEAVAX  - 1/20th SCALE UAS SCOUTING DRONES

SeaVax blue growth and fisheries food security UAV advance data scouting drones

 

 

 

SYMA X5C - We have been using this small quad to develop the AUV friendly helicopter landing pad that is now a feature of the SeaVax autonomous design - as seen below. We were pioneering this application with a view to developing a suitably sized craft for scientific endurance ocean missions. But all that changed with the Ehang 184, that is available off the shelf and is a design that meets our 

criteria for advanced marine life and plastic scouting duties. The only modification needed for this long range electric AUVs is so that we may charge from the ships energy harvesting apparatus, or fast-charge from onboard battery-banks.

 

 

Helicopters and Quadcopter machines as used by hobbyists and professionals have become small enough that we can squeeze one onto the rear deck (extension) of the SeaVax feasibility model at very little cost, including an HD quality camera. There is a good selection of off-the-shelf products to choose from.

 

In recent years the industry has developed to the extent that UAVs (or UAS) are helping fire fighters and farmers as much as they are helping film makers get some stunning aerial footage without breaking their movie budgets. We'll be using the footage we obtain for our Youtube postings.

 

A quadcopter, also called a quad-rotor helicopter or quadrotor, is a multirotor helicopter that is lifted and propelled by four rotors. Quadcopters are classified as rotorcraft, as opposed to fixed-wing aircraft, because their lift is generated by a set of rotors (vertically oriented propellers).

Unlike most helicopters, quadcopters use two sets of identical fixed pitched propellers; two clockwise (CW) and two counter-clockwise (CCW). These use variation of rotational speed (RPM) to control lift and torque. Control of vehicle motion is achieved by altering the rotation rate of one or more rotor discs, thereby changing its torque load and thrust/lift characteristics.

Early in the history of flight, quadcopter (referred to as 'quadrotor') configurations were seen as possible solutions to some of the persistent problems in vertical flight; torque-induced control issues (as well as efficiency issues originating from the tail rotor, which generates no useful lift) can be eliminated by counter-rotation and the relatively short blades are much easier to construct. A number of manned designs appeared in the 1920s and 1930s.

 

These vehicles were among the first successful heavier-than-air vertical take off and landing (VTOL) vehicles. However, early prototypes suffered from poor performance, and latter prototypes required too much pilot work load, due to poor stability augmentation and limited control authority.

More recently quadcopter designs have become popular in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research. These vehicles use an electronic control system and electronic sensors to stabilize the aircraft. With their small size and agile maneuverability, these quadcopters can be flown indoors as well as outdoors.

Quadcopters do not require mechanical linkages to vary the rotor blade pitch angle as they spin (using a swash plate). This simplifies the design and maintenance of the vehicle.

 

 

 

 

CHINA - EHANG QUADCOPTER @ CES JANUARY 2016

 

Chinese company Ehang has unveiled the world’s first passenger drone at CES 2016. The age of the Jetsons has arrived with this 500lb electric single-seat passenger drone.

The Ehang 184 is a giant but elegantly designed drone; according to the company, it can transport one person at approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour in around 23-minutes. It can also carry a payload (that’s the passenger and anything else they take with them) of about 100 kg (220 lbs). As such the vehicle is perfect for SeaVax, except that we do do not need the pilot for everyday use.

You can plan your trip via an app on your smart phone and the drone takes off and delivers you to your destination autonomously. 

 

 

 

 

The makers claim that is has a fail safe mode so that anything goes wrong it goes into a hover or finds somewhere safe to land.

The design has built in redundancy with duplicate sensors, eight motors, eight propellers and sensors that prevent it taking off in a storm.

Whilst it is not legal in the US yet (or any other jurisdictions that we know of) it has completed over 100 test flights with a live pilot on board.

Reported to cost in the range of $200,000 to $300,000 its not a cheap way to avoid the traffic but it certainly is brilliant and a potential disruptor.

 

 

SYMA X5C-1 MODEL QUADCOPTER

 

The Syma X5C is a 6 Axis Gyro stabilized quadcopter with a 2.4GHz 4 Channel Remote Control set. 

 

It features 360 Degrees of accurate flying orientation. As with most toy and commercial quadcopters it is a mini Helicopter, and this one has an excellent 720P 2 million pixel HD camera that can capture and record every unforgettable moment from the skies as you fly, at the press of a button.

 

 

 

Like many of the excellent hobby aircraft on the market, Syma give you enough accessories to get you started, including spare blades. From our experience, we would recommend spare batteries and a stopwatch. The stopwatch may not be necessary when flying over land, but when flying over lakes and attempting to land on a moving boat, one cannot afford to ditch simply because you ran out of energy. Unless you modify your craft! That is tricky because small additional weight (floats) will cause you flying difficulty.

 

 

SYMA X5C-1 Main Features:

2.4GHz control system, 6 axis gyro
200W 720P HD camera equipment
360 degrees 3D eversion and throwing flight function
High stability during flight
With light, suitable for flying in the dark at night
Built-in a 3.7V 500mAh li-poly battery
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor flying
Latest quadcopter, suitable for children above 14 years old

Note: The difference between X5C and X5C-1 is just the package size, their product parameters are the same, save for software flight improvement characteristics. Coolicool claim to sell only the X5C-1 saving on international shipping fees.

 

Coolicool Syma x5c-1 6 axis gyro 4ch 24ghz quadcopter 360 degree flip hd camera

 

 

Lithium polymer extended capacity batteries for quadcopters

 

 

BATTERY UPGRADE X5C and X5A

 

If you need longer flying time you can buy this 5 piece Syma X5C.X5A Upgrade 3.7V 600mAh Li-Po Batteries + Multi-plug Charging Cable + USB Cable Set. With high capacity and stable performance, the lithium batteries in the pack can provide your remote control quad longer-lasting energy supplies. Each battery can offer an extra 7-10 minutes of flight time over the original battery. The distributors claim that they are easy to use and install. This battery set will not add too much weight to your helicopter. It is relatively low in price for budget conscious consumers. Split charging cables are also included for more convenient charging.

 

 

 

The camera gives passable footage. Be careful what and how you film, or the footage may be used to prosecute you. See the cautionary tale of Nancy Black and Jean-Michel Cousteau below.

 

 

Battery Upgrade Features and Specifications:

3.7V 600mAh lithium battery set with cables for RC helicopter
High quality and rechargeable performance
Lightweight, durable, practical and convenient to use
High capacity and long life span
Fast charge and discharge rate for your requirements
It is a great battery set to power your RC helicopter
Each battery can offer extra 7-10 minutes flight time than original battery
Cables are also included for more convenient charging

Battery Dimensions (1.65 x 0.98 x 0.35)" / (4.2 x 2.5 x 0.9)cm (L x W x H)
Weight 3.73oz / 106g

Package Includes: 5 x Batteries, 1 x Split charging Cable, 1 x USB Cable

 

 

 

HISTORIC LANDING - A Navy RQ-8A prepares itself for the first autonomous landing aboard the USS Nashville (LPD-13) during sea trials in 2006. The operational record was not perfect, but since then radio controlled helicopter sets have been sold in the thousands in toy shops all over the world with increasingly sophisticated electronics, including gyroscopic stabilization. This landing maneuver is near identical to the take off and landing of a quadcopter on the SeaVax ocean plastic monitoring craft.

 

 

   

 

   

 

 

HELIO PAD - Where the US Navy experienced quite a few tips into the sea while their RQ series of helicopter drones were attempting to land on a moving ship, we have designed a landing pad that helps both drone and robotic unmanned aircraft to land as safely as they might. Our aluminium support frame bolts straight onto the back of the SeaVax 'proof of concept' model hull; the marine ply landing deck bolts to the ally frame to complete the structure - allowing us to change the size and features of the landing pad as we learn from our lake trials. The pictures above show our first experimental deck frame (underside) under construction, ending with painting in (high visibility) machine ocean yellow.

 

AUTOBOT - The diagram above shows the deck position on the rear of the boat. We will be looking at incorporating electronic/optical and/or infra-read or other guidance methods, such that a drone targets the landing pad, just the same as a modern passenger aircraft can land on a runway without a pilot. This will be a two way information stream, where the feedback helps docking.

 

 

 

'H' IS FOR HELIPAD - The landing pad is held in position for this photo. There will be safety catchment railings (not shown here) to guide the quadcopter to a safe halt and prevent bouncing back off the deck and into the briny, even where the weather may be inclement. The rotors do not foul the hull, but just to be sure, the railings will guide the aircraft to a central stop position before the helicopter can do itself any damage. 

 

 

 

SEAVAX SCOUT (SEASCOUT) - Autonomous landings are easier with a rear approach, for the simple reason that the apparent speed is reduced by the forward motion of the vessel. If a drone was approaching head on, there would be that much less time to synchronize airspeed to boat-speed, with an increased apparent speed, tending to collision. Another consideration in the case of the SeaVax, is that we have tall wind turbines at the front of the ship, making it a no-brainer in design terms. We don't want to risk damaging our energy harvesting apparatus as a copter attempts to play leapfrog with our rotary sails. The moveable solar arrays are not shown in this picture - and the solar panels that are waiting in the wings (if you'll pardon the pun) have yet to be installed. Judging from the move by the Indian Navy for similar technology for their fleet, UAVs will soon become the norm for maritime security. We doubt that any military aircraft will be electrically powered, like ours, unless operational economy becomes a critical factor. This is unlikely, since wars represent the ultimate in wasted energy and harmful pollution.

 

 

Tilt rotor vertical take off Osprey aircraft, US Navy, Korea

 

SURVEILLANCE - The increasing incidence of maritime crime has brought into sharp focus the constabulary role that navies have to perform. The significance of this role may be gauged from the fact that for a third of the world’s navies, this is a major facet of their functions. In the constabulary role, forces are employed at sea to enforce an international mandate. Force is only employed for self-defense or as a last resort in execution of this role. A SeaVax Scout could be an effective anti-piracy measure if deployed when suspicious behavior is detected - in the interests of self-preservation, or asset protection. Weaponry may not be necessary, where video footage can be relayed to the authorities in real time to summon assistance and as evidence should any potential pirates be silly enough to get themselves captured on camera, though laser and stun measures could be used as non-lethal deterrents.

 

 

 

STATIC TESTS - Our development team have been doing some basic tests with the SeaVax (Enterprise 1) static. You can see from these pictures that we've taped some floats to the Syma quad, just in case when we get wet, the aircraft slips overboard. Is this the first quad that can take off from water? No it's not - see the 'Mariner' below. Floatation tests proved successful prior to these take off and landing attempts.

 

The eventual full-size target specification is likely to be: Payload capacity of 30 kg (66 lb), range 10 miles (16 km), or endurance on station of 15 minutes at an altitude of 2,000 feet (600 m), with the ability to land on a SeaVax helipad in a 36 km/h (22 mph) crosswind. This is considered achievable taking into account the present state of technology - but in the end it is down to the energy storage to deliver. The "SeaScout" would have a rotor span of 5 meters, from the outside tip of one rotor, to the outside tip of the opposing rotor. A central carbon fiber monocoque body (that doubles as a hull in the event of a ducking) with smaller diameter tubes to the motors, would obviate the need for accessory floats. One day rechargeable fuel cell technology may be available for such applications, but not at the moment. This concept is not that far removed from the objectives of the Poseidron project below.

 

 

http://www.esnc.info/

 

 OCTOBER 21 2015 - POSEIDRON, LIFE SAVING RESCUE DRONE

 

A Spanish-conceived remote-controlled multicopter built to support maritime search-and-rescue services has taken home the grand prize at the European Satellite Navigation Competition 2015, which will see it obtain both cash and further support.

Mr Enrique Martínez Asensi and his winning team hope to see the Poseidron device save lives far out at sea when people fall overboard or are involved in shipwrecks that occur during illegal immigration. Custom-developed by Sincratech Aeronautics - a start-up based in Valencia, Spain - Poseidron can be launched from ships or platforms under virtually any weather conditions. The multicopter uses thermal cameras and the European positioning service EGNOS to quickly locate people in the water and transmit an alarm to rescue teams along with precise information. Capable of carrying up to 70 kilogrammes, it can also transport a dinghy and deploy it as soon as casualties are found.

 

Poseidron’s inventors claim it is both faster and more cost-effective than other rescue systems, which in turn significantly increases the chances of survival - particularly in cold waters.

In addition to winning the ESNC's EUR 20,000 grand prize, this innovative project will now have the chance to enter a 12-month incubation programme at one of five Science Parks in Valencia as part of the region's prize.

Thorsten Rudolph, CEO of ESNC initiator and organiser Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen is quoted as saying: 

 

"For the German Federal Government, the digitalisation of the economy and society at large is one of the most crucial endeavours of all, and satellite-based services are becoming a more and more important part of the process. Through this European competition, we want to support innovative companies in turning their ideas into market-ready products. Today, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to provide this start-up assistance to this year's winners. As many of their predecessors have shown in years past, they will now have excellent chances to enter the market with their winning applications."

 

 

 

POSEIDRON - The main purpose of Poseidron is to reduce the number of fatalities far out at sea when people fall overboard or are involved in shipwrecks that occur during illegal immigration. The project consists of one large drone that is designed to increase the survival possibilities of those stranded at sea by providing a faster response and better service than existing solutions. The multicopter weighs 80 kg, can operate for more than 180 minutes, and has a diameter of four metres. It is capable of lifting up to 70 kg and is designed to take off from a mid-size boat. Thanks to its thermal cameras and the EGNOS system, the multicopter is able to immediately localise people in the middle of the water. When it arrives at a fatality, Poseidron will launch an inflatable dinghy. Depending on the weather conditions, it will tow the dinghy to a rescue boat or maintain its position in order to facilitate rescue. Poseidron can also localise and monitor fuel spills and provide support during humanitarian catastrophes. Thanks to Galileo and EGNOS, the drone will have the ability to fly safely, maintain its position accurately, and alert the emergency authorities. Contact: lolesalbiol@gmail.com

 

 

EUROPE'S INNOVATION NETWORK FOR SATELLITE NAVIGATION


The ESNC set another new participation record this year, with 515 innovations entered by companies from more than 40 different countries around the world. The competition thus more than matched the successes of editions past in increasing its overall figures to 272 winners awarded and 3,343 ideas received from over 10,000 participants throughout its 12 years in existence.

"Time synchronisation and reliable positioning information are essential to today's digital economy: Without corresponding satellite-based services, the development of these and other innovations - including the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communication, and Industry 4.0 - would not be possible", continued Thorsten Rudolph. "As the ideas submitted to this year's ESNC have shown to impressive effect, it is these forward-thinking technologies in particular that present a great deal of potential waiting to be unleashed by high-tech start-ups."

Under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), the ESNC presented prizes valued at approximately EUR 1 million in total at its festive Awards Ceremony.

 

 

SATELLITE INNOVATION CONTACTS

 

Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen
Mr Andreas Dippelhofer
Ms Kathrin Sturm
Friedrichshafener Str. 1
82205 Gilching
Germany

 

Telephone +49 (0)8105 77 2 77-10
Telefax +49 (0)8105 77 2 77-55
E-mail: info@anwendungszentrum.de

 

 

ESA BIC Bavaria
c/o Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen
Friedrichshafener Straße 1
82205 Gilching
Germany

Email: esa-bic@anwendungszentrum.de

Location Oberpfaffenhofen and Ottobrunn:
Cornelia Gebath +49 (0)8105 7727720
Fabian Lindermer +49 (0)8105 7727715

 

 

 

Comparison of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and Compass (medium earth orbit) satellite navigation system orbits with the International Space Station, Hubble Space Telescope and Iridium constellation orbits, Geostationary Earth Orbit, and the nominal size of the Earth. The Moon's orbit is around 9 times larger (in radius and length) than geostationary orbit.

 

 

GALILEO - GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM (GNSS)

 

Galileo is the global navigation satellite system that is currently being created by the European Union (EU) and European Space Agency (ESA), headquartered in Prague in the Czech Republic, with two ground operations centres, Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich in Germany and Fucino in Italy. The €5 billion project is named after the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei. One of the aims of Galileo is to provide an indigenous alternative high-precision positioning system upon which European nations can rely, independently from the Russian GLONASS and US GPS systems, in case they were disabled by their operators. The use of basic (low-precision) Galileo services will be free and open to everyone. The high-precision capabilities will be available for paying commercial users. Galileo is intended to provide horizontal and vertical position measurements within 1-metre precision, and better positioning services at high latitudes than other positioning systems.

On 21 October 2011 the first two of four (Galileo #1 and #2) operational satellites were launched to validate the system. The next two (Galileo #3 and #4) followed on 12 October 2012, making it "possible to test Galileo end-to-end". Once this In-Orbit Validation (IOV) phase was completed, additional satellites are being launched to reach Initial Operational Capability (IOC) around mid-decade. The first determination of a position relying on signals emitted only from Galileo satellites was achieved on 12 March 2013. On 22 August 2014, two (Galileo #5 and #6) more satellites were launched from French Guiana but were injected into an incorrect orbit. Analysis indicated that the third stage of the Soyuz launch vehicle, the Fregat space tug, failed to circularize the satellites' orbit correctly, resulting in a semi-minor axis 3,700 km (2,300 mi) less than desired and a 5° inclination error. These orbits have now been corrected (December 2014 and March 2015) at the cost of reduced propellant, shortening the life-span of the satellites to 12 years' operation. On 27 March 2015 the next two (Galileo #7 and #8) satellites were launched successfully from Guiana Space Centre using a Soyuz four stage launcher. Using the same Soyuz launcher and launchpad, satellites number 9 and 10 were launched successfully on 11 September 2015.

Galileo is planned to provide a unique global search and rescue (SAR) function. Satellites will be equipped with a transponder which will relay distress signals from the user's transmitter to the Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which will then initiate a rescue operation. At the same time, the system is projected to provide a signal to the users, informing them that their situation has been detected and help is on the way. This latter feature is new and is considered a major upgrade compared to the existing GPS and GLONASS navigation systems, which do not provide feedback to the user. Tests in February 2014 found that for Galileo's search and rescue function, operating as part of the existing International Cospas-Sarsat Programme, 77% of simulated distress locations can be pinpointed within 2 km, and 95% within 5 km.

Galileo will start offering first services from 2016. Full completion of the 30-satellite Galileo system (24 operational and 6 active spares) is expected by 2020.

US WARMONGERING

Galileo is intended to be an EU civilian GNSS that allows all users access to it. GPS is a US military GNSS that provides location signals that have high precision to US military users, while also providing less precise location signals to others. The GPS had the capability to block the "civilian" signals while still being able to use the "military" signal (M-band). A primary motivation for the Galileo project was the EU concern that the US could and would deny others access to GPS during political disagreements.

The US may even shoot down Galileo satellites during a conflict to retain the electronic warfare upper hand. It is surprising therefore that the Chinese and other nations in the shadow of US supremacy, have not developed their own independent systems, save that they are clearly not so much worried about world domination as getting on with life. In our opinion, there should be a system for navigation, search and rescue that no country's military can block. The preservation of life and safety at sea is the prime consideration.

 

 

 

SEAPLANE - It will be much harder landing on a moving target over water. Even static our pilot had to concentrate to achieve the correct flight path. Smaller drones are less controllable than the more expensive models. When this concept goes full size, that is when the fun will begin. Autopilots are already available for flying models that will return an aircraft back to base and land - as a safety feature and in the event that a radio signal is lost.

 

 

Anti-Piracy marine drone and advance data scout

 

BARRIERS - Whoops, nearly overboard! The improvised barriers proved to be an asset on more than one occasion. The design needs improvement, with additional 'catcher' safety features. We think that a robot ship will benefit from guides that are tuned to the marinised drones it may carry. Work in progress.

 

 

 

'H' MARKS THE SPOT - Bull's-eye. After several practice runs the Syma was coaxed down to a perfect landing - marking the end to a great day in the workshop. The secret, as with most good landings, is to get the approach angle and speed just right. It won't be long before VTOL aircraft are available as models. It's a fine line between a quad and other VTOL aircraft. The main advantage to a swivel motor arrangement incorporating a wing, is forward speed allied to fuel savings. A quad could be modified to achieve some of that.

 

MMPA & WHALE RESCUE - The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects cetaceans like whales, dolphins, manatees, seals, sea lions, sea otters, walruses, and polar bears. (Sharks and other endangered marine animals are not protected under this legislation) Where our drone scouts are designed to pick up animals in distress such as to effect a potential rescue, certain rules should be observed such as not to fall foul of over zealous officials who might (judging by recent caselaw) get the wrong idea. Aircraft are required to maintain an altitude of at least 1000 feet from whales and 1500 feet for North Atlantic Right Whales. Unfortunately, the FAA advise ordinary drone pilots to fly below 400 feet - as you might agree, this kind of out of date legislation is hardly helpful. The conflicting guidelines that might mean it is impossible to save a whale caught up in fishing nets without breaking the law, where once detected the drone would have to steer well clear - and so not be able to report back what the problem is/was. Boats, on the other, hand may approach within 300 feet of a whale pod and 150 feet for dolphins - but what of rescue vessels? BMS are sure that where the preservation of animal life is the objective, that international regulations would be modified to allow such activities that are not commercially driven, and would encourage the IMO, UN and other agencies to consider modifying the rules to acknowledge such endeavor. An alternative is to alert the authorities to the need for a potential rescue - and wash our hands of a potential legal fight. We doubt though that the agencies involved would have the resources to respond to such alerts.

 

OBJECT LESSON - Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society, was forced to forfeit their $50,000 vessel for filming Nancy Black for baiting cameras to attract orcas. Defense attorney Mark Vermeulen of San Francisco said Cousteau, the son of Jacques Cousteau, was paid $1.05 million for the work his crew did alongside Black that day. This story was covered by Virginia Hennessey, Monterey County Herald. Virginia can be reached at 753-6751 or vhennessey@montereyherald.com

 

 

 

SOLAR WINGS - You can see from this picture that any onboard UAV scout would not shade the solar arrays, so would not get in the way of the energy harvesting functions of the robot mothership.

 

 

 

HELICOPTERS - We also tried out this small scale helicopter. For some maneuvers it was better than the quad, but overall, the quad was thought to be a superior performer and far more suitable for the advance scouting marine duties that we have in mind. It is a much easier task building a custom quad, than trying to design a small helicopter. We won't be equipping a helicopter with floats just yet. But it looks as though Zurich University have already sorted the safe return of a quadcopter to a helipad - much like the Deckfinder system - see below.

 

 

  

 

MARINER - This quite ordinary looking quad is actually a remarkable leap forward in technology, where the whole structure is a float, enabling landing and takeoff from water - and ditching of course - in the event that the unit runs out of power. A SeaVax Scout would need this safety feature for blue water endurance missions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

University of Zurich

 

DP&A APRIL 2015 - NEW GUIDANCE TECHNOLOGY COULD MAKE DRONE SAFER

 

Researchers at the University of Zurich have unveiled new technology enabling drones to recover stable flight from any position and land autonomously in failure situations.

 

It will even be possible to launch drones by simply tossing them into the air like a baseball or recover stable flight after a system failure. Drones will be safer and smarter, with the ability to identify safe landing sites and land automatically when necessary.

 

Professor Davide Scaramuzza, co-inventor and director of the Robotics and Perception Group at the University of Zurich (UZH) is quoted as saying: “Our new technology allows safe operation of drones beyond the operator’s line of sight, which is crucial for commercial use of drones, such as parcel delivery.”

 

The growing popularity of drones has raised major safety concerns. Because they can run out of power, forcing them to land immediately, they must be able to detect safe landing spots and properly execute landing operations.

 

 

Camcopter uav drone with automatic landing system

 

DECKFINDER - SCHIEBEL CAMCOPTER S-100 – COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT TESTS IN GPS DENIED ENVIRONMENT July 6, 2013 - Schiebel successfully concluded a series of flight trials with EADS Astrium’s Pseudolite-based Local Positioning System “DeckFinder”, expanding its automated launch and recovery capability for operations where access to GPS has been denied. Schiebel integrated the DeckFinder Receiver Segment into a S-100 and deployed the DeckFinder Ground Segment at the Schiebel Testing Grounds close to Vienna, Austria. “By feeding the position data generated by the Astrium DeckFinder System directly into the avionics of our CAMCOPTER® S-100, we are now able to operate fully automatically, independent from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) during hovering, approach and landing, enabling us to launch and recover in environments that no-one has been able to perform before”, Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group is quoted as saying.

 

DeckFinder is a Local Positioning System consisting of a ground segment of six Radio-Frequency-based Transmitters (Pseudolites) and a corresponding airborne receiver. Based on GPS-independent range measurements it provides the CAMCOPTER® avionics with highly accurate and relative 3D position information that allows the S-100 to navigate with an accuracy better than 20 cm over the landing zone, placing Schiebel’s customers in a unique position to operate the CAMCOPTER® with high degrees of autonomy during periods of GPS denial from small vessel decks under demanding environmental conditions - perfect for our marine quad application.

 

The Camcopter is a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV that needs no prepared area or supporting launch or recovery equipment. It operates day and night, under adverse weather conditions, with a beyond line-of-sight capability out to 200 km, both on land and at sea. The S-100 navigates via preprogrammed GPS waypoints or is operated with a pilot control unit. Missions are planned and controlled via a simple point-and-click graphical user interface. High definition payload imagery is transmitted to the control station in real time. Using “fly-by-wire” technology controlled by a triple-redundant flight computer. The machine is suitable for a wide range of payload/endurance combinations up to a service ceiling of 18,000 ft. In its standard configuration, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 carries a 75 lbs/34 kg payload up to 10 hours and is powered with AVGas or heavy fuel.

 

 

 

 

ROBOTICS & PERCEPTION GROUP - Prof. Dr. Davide Scaramuzza founded the Robotics and Perception Group at the University of Zurich in February 2012. The group consists of twelve researchers from the fields of mechanical, electrical, and informatics engineering. The group’s mission is to develop autonomous machines that can navigate independently using only onboard cameras.

 

 

Potential crash situations arise when drones temporarily lose their GPS position information, for instance, when flying close to buildings where a GPS signal may be lost. In such situations, it is essential that drones can rely on back-up systems and regain stable flight.

 

The UZH research group's drones are equipped with a single camera and acceleration sensors. Their orientation system emulates the human visual system and sense of balance. As soon as a toss or a failure situation is detected, computer-vision software analyses the images to identify distinctive landmarks in the environment and restore balance.

 

All image processing and control runs on a smartphone processor onboard the drone. This renders the drone safe and able to fulfil its mission without any communication or interaction with the operator.

 

Matthias Faessler, co-inventor of the technology and a researcher in Scaramuzza’s group is quoted as saying: “Our system works similarly to a tight-rope walker. When you balance on a rope, you fixate on some static points in the environment and shift your weight accordingly to restore balance.” 

 

The same software builds a 3D model of the environment, which is used to group the terrain beneath the drone into “risky” and “safe” landing sites. If an emergency landing is required due to low battery or system failure, the drone will automatically detect and land on a flat, safe location without any human intervention.

 

 

 

BLUE BEAR & BRISTOL UNI - According to a Flight Global article, Blue Bear Systems and the University of Bristol have introduced a new concept that automates unmanned air vehicle (UAV) flight for use in challenging conditions. Dubbed Smart Boomerang, the system comprises two cameras and a mobile phone-derived computer that enables UAVs to learn a route and be able to automatically retrace its path. In certain conditions – such as when GPS is lost, when the UAV is indoors or where minimal operator control is required – Smart Boomerang would provide a retraceable route for the UAV so it could return safely to a base. Potentially, such a system could be adapted to return to a moving base. The principle behind the concept is designed to be adapted for the provision of high-resolution mapping for industry. Nuclear plant mapping is expected to be the first commercial application, resulting in the development of a product.

 

The system creates a “point cloud” of objects on the UAV’s route, and uses these to retrace it. Eventually an obstacle avoidance feature will be added to the system, although the team is focusing on the navigation side at the moment. Richard Bostock, project manager and technical lead for the programme at Blue Bear is quoted as saying: “On its first path it learns, and on its second it uses points identified to navigate.” “It’s all about time, money and risk,” “We’re trying to get the proof of concept for this technology at this point – we aren’t yet trying to create a product.”  Interested parties included BP, EasyJet and the Sellafield nuclear site. EasyJet could potentially use such a system to monitor aircraft in a hangar to check for abnormalities, comparing data points against previously collected data on what configuration the aircraft should be in. The team has been working on Smart Boomerang for 12 months. Ref: Beth Stevenson

 

 

 

EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA 10 APRIL 2014 – Not strictly speaking a quadcopter (it's an octocopter) and rather ungainly looking, but the above 'Black Knight Transformer' from Advanced Tactics Inc. successfully completed the first flight test of their modular (road) vehicle that is also a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Advanced Tactics is at the forefront of large scale multicopter design, production, and testing and the successful flights of the Black Knight Transformer open the door to a number of future aircraft designs that leverage Advanced Tactics’ patented and patent-pending technologies.

The patented AT Transformer technology combines the capabilities of a helicopter, such as the ability to take off and land anywhere, with the capabilities of an off-road automobile. The AT Black Knight Transformer completed driving tests in December 2013 and completed its first flight tests in March 2014. The Black Knight Transformer is the world’s largest multicopter that is controlled and stabilized with propeller speed. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,400 lb.

The AT Transformer technology is scalable and re-configurable with modular payloads. Advanced Tactics is also currently developing an autonomous modular version of the AT Transformer capable of delivering up to 3,500 lb payloads in a detachable cargo pod at up to 200 kt TAS and capable of hovering for over 19 hours with a 150 lb ISR payload. Its small footprint makes it ideal for shipboard applications and tight landing zones. The AT Transformer technology can be interfaced with easy-to-use autonomous flight systems
that provide obstacle avoidance and decision making capabilities such as landing site selection. The aircraft provides a suitable platform for the recently demonstrated U.S. Office of Naval Research’s Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS) program and is already part of the U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory’s Enhanced MAGTF Operations Aerial Delivery (EMO AD) program.

 

 

Amazon prime deliveries by drone quadcopters in the USA

 

AMAZON – DAILY MAIL APRIL 2015 - Amazon has won approval from U.S. federal regulators to test the latest version of its delivery drone outdoors, less than a month after the e-commerce powerhouse blasted regulators for being slow to approve commercial drone testing. The aircraft can travel at more than 50mph and carry loads of up to 5 pounds. About 86 percent of Amazon's deliveries are 5 pounds or less, the company is quoted as saying.

The Federal Aviation Administration had earlier given the green light to an Amazon prototype drone in March, but the company told U.S. lawmakers less than a week later that the prototype had already become obsolete while it waited more than six months for the agency's permission.

The FAA granted Amazon's request to test its new delivery drones in a letter dated Wednesday, posted on the agency's website. Amazon must keep flights at an altitude of no more than 400 feet (120 meters) and no faster than 100 miles per hour (160 km per hour), according to the letter.

Seattle-based Amazon.com has been pursuing its goal of sending packages to customers by air, using small, self-piloted aircraft, even as it faces public concern about safety and privacy. The company wants to use drones to deliver packages to its customers over distances of 10 miles (16 km) or more, which would require drones to travel autonomously while equipped with technology to avoid collisions with other aircraft.

In February, the FAA proposed long-awaited rules to try to set U.S. guidelines for drones, addressing growing interest from both individual and corporations in using unmanned aerial vehicles. Previously the firm blasted federal regulators for being slow to approve commercial drone testing - and warned the United States is falling behind other countries in the potentially lucrative area of unmanned aviation technology.

Less than a week after the Federal Aviation Administration gave Amazon.com the green light to test a delivery drone outdoors, the company told U.S. lawmakers that the prototype drone had already become obsolete while the company waited more than six months for the agency's permission. Amazon is developing aerial vehicles as part of Amazon Prime Air.

 

 

MARCH 2015 - INDIAN NAVY TO BUY 50 SHIP BOURNE DRONES

In a move to enhance its surveillance capabilities on its warships, the Indian Navy (IN) has announced a global competition for procuring ‘Ship-Borne Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ (UAVs) that can augment various patrolling and search-related tactics on its vessels.

 

The Navy is planning to acquire a total of 50 shipborne drones for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as part of its effort to boost maritime security, says a report in PTI. "We want to have such a capability and want to know what kinds of products are available in the market," defence sources said.

 

 

SAAB Skeldar, Spanish Navy marine UAV

 

SAAB SKELDAR - This marine UAV is being used by the Spanish Navy

 

 

At present, the Navy operates two squadrons of Israeli Heron and Searcher Mk-II UAVs which are based in Kochi and Porbandar.

 

The Naval force had recently issued a request for information (RFI) seeking details about naval shipborne unmanned aerial system (NSUAS). It feels that with such drones, the range of the machines can be increased.

 

Boeing firm Insitu, which has had preliminary conversations about the ScanEagle with India for a few years now, continues with the pitch. A prospective competition could include the Airbus Tanan and Textron Aerosonde as well.

 

The smaller UAVs launched from ships increases the vessels’ surveillance range. They also enhance the ship’s communication with other friendly vessels by relaying signals, especially from the Rukmani, the dedicated naval communications satellite. It is part of a larger intertwining communications network in a naval manoeuvre coordinating with other aircraft, ships and satellites.

 

 

 

 

FULL SIZE UNMANNED DRONES - NORTHROP GRUMMAN SCOUT

 

When the US Navy decided to withdraw its RQ-2 Pioneers from service, it looked for a second generation UAV. The Navy specified a vertical takeoff & landing (VTOL) aircraft, with a payload capacity of 90 kg (200 lb), a range of 125 miles (200 km), an endurance on station of three hours at an altitude of 20,000 feet (6,100 m), and the ability to land on a ship in a 46 km/h (29 mph) wind. The UAV was to fly 190 hours before planned maintenance. This went out to tender.

 

There were three finalists in the competition, which was designated "VTOL-UAV" or "VTUAV". Bell, Sikorsky, and a collaboration of Teledyne Ryan and Schweizer Aircraft submitted designs. The Ryan-Schweizer UAV was selected as the winner in the spring of 2000. The RQ-8A Fire Scout, as it was named, was a derivative of the Schweizer three-passenger, turbine powered 330SP helicopter, with a new fuselage, new fuel system, and UAV electronics and sensors.

The initial prototype of the Fire Scout was piloted in test flights autonomously for the first time in January 2000.

The Fire Scout was to be fitted with a sensor ball turret that carries electro-optic and infrared cameras, and a laser range finder. It was to be controlled over a data link derived from the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV, operating over a line of sight to a distance of 172 miles (280 km). The control system was to be fitted onto a ship, or could be carried on a Humvee light vehicle for US Marine service.

 

 

A Navy RQ-8A drone helicopter viewed from the front

 

DRONE NAVY HELICOPTER - A US Navy RQ-8A viewed from the front. A quad could be more efficient in terms of energy used, but not if using a complicated mechanical drive where gearing losses would be significant. Question: Why are there no floats on this machine?

 

 

AERYON SCOUT

 

Aeryon Scout is a small reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed and built by Aeryon Labs of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. The vehicle was developed between 2007 to 2009.

The Scout is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) quadcopter requiring no launch equipment. It can hover in a fixed position and weighs 3.0 lb (1.4 kg) without payload.

The Scout is a quadcopter in layout, with four rotors mounted on booms and four landing gear legs. Payloads are mounted underneath the fuselage on a gimbal mount.

The Scout can be operated beyond the line of sight up to 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) from the user, with a designed operational altitude above ground level of 300 to 500 feet at flying speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour (31 miles per hour) and an endurance of 25 minutes. The Scout's design allows flight in adverse weather conditions and it has been flown in wind speeds of 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph) and temperatures ranging from -30°C to +50°C. All communications are digital and encrypted, which reduces the risk of hijacking and video interception.

 

 

 

QUADCOPTER - The Aeryon Scout carries a heavier payload than most off-the-shelf quads, but has nowhere near the range or capacity that we are looking for, for our marine surveys. The electronic flight stabilization of these small units is more than capable of controlling a much bigger quad - and the design is very easy to upscale. 

 

 

The Scout is controlled with a Tablet PC-based interface. This system differs from the customary method of joystick control in allowing users to operate the vehicle with minimal training. The Scout is piloted by pointing to an area on the map. Height is controlled using a scroll on the touch screen interface. The system operates using custom or commercially available map data in several formats including MrSID. Real-time maps can also be used during flight and the Scout can be flown real-time by the operator or pre-programmed to fly a series of GPS waypoints. The Scout constantly monitors external conditions such as wind speed, as well as internal functions, such as battery level, allowing it to make an automated decisions en route to return home, land immediately or hover and wait.

The Scout has a quick-change payload interface with common interfaces including USB and Ethernet, which allows custom payloads to be developed. The system is able to detect the type of payload connected, and configure it and operate it appropriately. The payload capacity of the system is 250 g (0.55 lb). Offered payloads include gimbal-mounted digital still and video cameras, a near-IR camera for remote sensing, a FLIR night-vision camera and a stabilized 10x Optical Zoom camera.

 

 

 

 

DAILY MAIL FLYING CAR, KICKSTARTER PROJECT, MAY 2013 - JUNE 2014

 

We have included this UAV here because it shows that if you put your mind to it, incredible things can be accomplished. It flying car may never be practical from an energy point of view, but it is possible. This car is a remote control toy that the inventor claims could change the way we travel. The car transforms into a quadcopter and apparently, there is a FULL SIZE version on the way. 427 backers pledged £122,366 in a Kickstarter launch to help bring this project to life with crowd funding.

 

As a possible future mode of transportation, it is one of most impressive hi-tech toys on the market. A British inventor, Witold Mielniczek of the University of Southampton says his invention could even be scaled up to create a full-sized car. 'B is a revolutionary new remote controlled hybrid car-helicopter with a patent pending design,' he says on the Kickstarter site set up to fund the project.

 

'It is capable of driving across difficult terrain using its large rear drive wheels and when the obstacles become too big, simply take-off and fly over them.'

 

 

 

 

Prototype cars have already been built, and are able to almost instantly swap from car to quadcopter. 'B is a toy that provides an extraordinary experience,' the site claims.

 

'B is virtually unstoppable, capable of transitioning between ground and air allowing the development of tricks otherwise impossible to achieve.'

 

In common with many other quads, the car also has an HD video camera to send back live footage of its travels - and (luckily for novice pilots) has been designed to survive major crashes.

 

'The combination of the design and material selection creates a solid construction that is capable of surviving the worst of landings,' the site says. 'When the vehicle crashes from high altitudes, the driving rings detach from the housing and can be easily put back together.

 

 

 

 

'The main chassis is made out of Polycarbonate, which is the same material used in protective goggles and bullet proof windows.'

 

'The body shell not only serves as a protective and decorative feature, it is also a structural element. 'The chassis when combined with the body shell not only forms a rigid and light construction that maintains its shape when flying or driving, but is also flexible enough to absorb excessive forces generated during crash landings.

 

'Therefore, you can push B to the limits even when your skills are not at the highest level. 'This makes B an excellent platform for all users ranging from newcomers to experts. ' Original article by Mark Prigg

 

 

 

CONVERTERWINGS MODEL A - Seen here during flight testing at Amityville, Long Island, New York March of 1956. This unique helicopter was intended to be the prototype for a line of much larger civil and military quad-rotor helicopters. The design featured two engines driving four rotors through a system of v belts. No tailrotor was needed and control was obtained by varying the thrust between rotors. Flown successfully many times in the mid-1950s, this helicopter proved the quad-rotor design and it was also the first four-rotor helicopter to demonstrate successful forward flight. Due to a lack of orders for commercial or military versions however, the project was terminated. Convertawings proposed a Model E that would have a maximum weight of 42,000 lb (19 t) with a payload of 10,900 lb (4.9 t) over 300 miles and at up to 173 mph (278 km/h). This aircraft is about the right size for the proposed SeaVax Scout UAV. But the SeaVax Scout would be electrically powered and charged in between flights from onboard solar and wind generated electricity - in true autobot fashion.

 

 

 

BEERLIFTERS COMPETITION - Hobby King RC store once again encouraged people to push the limits of what quadcopters and other multirotor remote control vehicles can do. They call it the beerlift and the goal is simple: build a multirotor craft capable of carrying the greatest amount of beer (or water, everything is measured by weight).

 

The competition is over, but the results were spectacular. The vehicle with the largest lift capacity – pictured above – was built by Olaf Frommann and carried 58.7 kilograms, or nearly 128 pounds to a hover a few feet off the ground. Last year the biggest lift was a mere 47 kg with an eight-rotor craft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKYSENSE, NOV 2014

 

Berlin-based startup SkySense is looking to play a part, developing a landing pad that doubles as a wireless charging station and promises yet another layer of automation.

Drones are being deployed in industries ranging from conservation to agriculture, to energy and emergency services. These applications all involve some degree of automation, whether it be following a pre-determined flight path or homing in on a mobile phone signal. But the team at SkySense wants to eliminate the need to pull a vehicle off the job when it runs out of juice.

The SkySense Charging Pad is a gold-plated dock with a 100-240 V power input and a 10 A charge rate. Using the pad to recharge a drone is as simple as landing on it, the company claiming compatibility with "nearly all existing multicopters and VTOL aircrafts," with the DJI Phantom and Parrot's AR Drone just two of the names mentioned.

 

 

  

 


Built for both indoor and outdoor use, SkySense imagines the weatherproof pad acting as a remote-controlled charging station in a variety of drone applications, from farming to surveillance. It has produced three sizes to accommodate drones of different types: a compact version measuring 17 in (43.2 cm) across, a medium version at 34 in (86 cm) and a wider model at 68 in (172 cm).

SkySense has also developed an add-on it calls Droneport, which functions as a hangar to better protect the drone while it charges. This will also enable synching of collected data to the cloud and offer connectivity with other drones in the network.

The team has established agreements with companies such as Aibotix Italia and drone management platform DroneDeploy, with a view to facilitating entirely autonomous commercial drones. The SkySense charging pads are available for pre-order now, with the compact version priced at US$649, the medium at $1,425 and wide at $4,365.

 

SKYSENSE GERMAN OFFICE
Stargarder Str. 32
10437 Berlin
(office) +49 1515 522 522 1
http://skysense.de/

 

 

 

 

 

HORIZON 2020

 

Partner Finder

 
H2020 BES-03-2015 partner search: R&D/pilot production of a light optionally-piloted multi-purpose vessel for maritime border surveillance (RDGR20150225001)
 GREECE
Research partner request 
Created: 26/02/2015
Last updated: 24/03/2015
Summary

A consortium of Greek companies, research and industrial partners will submit a proposal to BES-03-2015 call. They seek additional partners (universities, entities, SMEs) in order to develop a multi-purpose surveillance vessel carrying on deck a VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) craft & surveillance equipment with adequate operating range. The innovative craft through its cost effective operational profiles, will contribute to standardisation in construction & operation.

Full description

A Greek consulting company for maritime security together with a Greek team of ICT security experts and major research and industrial partners (soon to be finalized) will design, submit and implement the project RECOMVESS. In the initial phase, all RECOMVESS consortium partners wish to seek and connect with potential cooperating co-partners who would be interested in this project, and invite all interested entities, universities (school of naval architects & engineers), researchers and industry partners to join the corresponding H2020 call (as to complete the consortium) to co-develop light surveillance platforms for reduced operational cost and increased capability of surveillance in high seas, improving communication particularly in critical multi-national joint operations where different systems co-operate in one operational scenario (to be tested in a real operational scenario, such a Frontex-led joint operation).

The result and the deliverable of this R & D is to produce a pilot vessel with low cost fuel requirements capable of sea border surveillance and S & R (Search & Rescue) activities. Dedicated radar will be developed as well as state of the art tracking instruments. The vessel itself will set the standards of innovative construction. Attention is paid to the compliancy of all rules and regulations pertaining to interoperability between Border States, EU legislation, safety and insurance. The vessel will analyze and relay maritime pollution and other environmental data to base. The vessel will be optionally piloted, use Stealth technology and will be bullet proof and unsinkable. The vessel will have the capability to carry and dispense small surveillance buoys utilizing GPS technology for maintaining position and which will be dedicated to the base station and the vessel thus forming a chain of floating data relaying mini stations.

The innovative craft through its operational cost profiles, will possibly contribute to standardisation in construction and operation.

In the investment evaluation phase and the calculation of the added value for the investors and society, the overall benefits will be considered.

Following certification, the deliverable vessel – adapted to the needs of the end-users – will enter the phase of commercialization.

The Greek consortium is looking for additional partners such as entities (ministries of merchant marine / coast guard / border security forces / Member States, etc.), universities (school of naval architects / naval engineers / shipyards), SMEs and/or industries (i.e. manufactures of equipment etc.).

Deadline of the call: 27/08/2015
Deadline for expressions of interest: 27/05/2015

Partner expertise sought:

- Specific area of activity of the partner: Type of partner sought & Specific area of activity:
1. Ministries of merchant marine / coast guard / border security forces / Member States:
Input on all aspects of sea border surveillance particularities (weather, sea conditions, trafficking, smuggling and illegal immigrant transport techniques) as well as in most of the sections mentioned in the description of activities of the vessel and base stations.
2. Universities / school of naval architects / naval engineers / shipyards:
For the study and development of the hull & superstructure of the vessel – any innovative suggestion would be a positive asset to the project. For the production of the hull & superstructure as well as all works pertaining to the production of the required boat.
3. Data collection systems involved in:
3a. Meteorological data collection & relay
3b. Marine environmental data collection & relay.
The production or adaptation of equipment for the specific vessel and the ability for them to be relayed to the base station.
4. For land-based monitoring stations in the following sectors:
4a. Monitoring equipment
4b. Vessel remote control
4c. Flying asset remote control
4d. Data reception and analysis
4e. Early warning systems
4f. Study on operation headquarters & stations
4g. Data study and relay to bordering countries & FRONTEX.
For the land-based stations sections can include, but is not limited to: Coast Guard sections, manufacturers of the relevant equipment and Academic entities wishing to participate in research for some of the services described.
5. Vessel Protection Systems:
5a. Stealth technology
5b. Anti radar fouling
5c. Remote controlled protection armament.
Entities involved in Stealth technology / remote protection armament.

Advantages & innovations:

The uniqueness of the proposed vessel is that it will carry a relatively small unmanned VTOL craft which will have a substantial radius of activity and carrying similar surveillance instruments. It will have the capability of operating independently from the vessel; where interisland surveillance or Search & Rescue is required. There will be communication between all assets and base stations.

As the system will require base operators it will create jobs taking gender equality into consideration.

Development Stage:

Project in negotiations - urgent - Some entities have already expressed interest in joining as partners.

IPR:

Secret Know-how, Design Rights, Granted patent or patent application essential, Trade Marks

Programme - Call:

Evaluation scheme: One Stage / Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) co-fund action.

Acronym: SURVEILLANCE MULTIPURPOSE VESSEL - RECOMVESS

Website: http://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/portal4/desktop/en/opportunities/h2020/topics/9069-bes-03-2015.html

Duration: 130 week(s)

Deadline: 27/08/2015

Coordinator required: No

Listed under: Telecommunications \ Business services \ Health & Safety and Security \ Maritime Industries

Select an option from below to enquire about this opportunity:

To register an expression of interest in this cooperation profile, please answer the following question:

Is your company located within our region?

YES    NO

South-East England EU regional map  

 

http://een.ec.europa.eu/   http://www.oxin.co.uk/    http://www2.gre.ac.uk/

 

 

 

V959 BATTLESHIP, QUADCOPTER

 

The V959 Quadcopter (by WL Toys) is another small helicopter that is ideal to be able to test the usefulness of carrying an extended range drone aircraft onboard the SeaNet fleet as advance spotters of plastic floating islands and in the extreme, to capture video footage of potential pirates, or even harry such boarding parties, deploying deterrents if necessary. PlanetSolar used a camera fitted to a kite to capture interesting pictures while aloft; the concept is not new, but is underused.

 

The V959 weighs in at approximately 97 grams with the stock 500 mah battery and slightly over 98 grams with a more powerful turnigy 600 mah power source (NE106118 600 mAh 1S 35-70c). This includes the camera, landing gear and microSD card – in other words, ready to fly!

 

 

Drone quadcopter used for aerial fleet operations

 

MORE ECONOMICAL UAV CAMERA ACTION - The ability to take videos with a stock camera is probably the single biggest reason for choosing this quad for test purposes. The camera along with it’s mount and microSD card weigh about 10 grams, which is quite a bit lighter than the famous Keychain cams. The camera slides into place from the rear of the aircraft and is removed in a similar fashion. The lens is hinged so that it can point anywhere from about straight (level) with the quadcopter to 45 degrees down, a feature which also provides an advantage over the Keychain Cams. The V959 Camera is powered by the quadcopter battery and the included 2G microSD card should hold about 18 minutes of footage. A USB stick included in the package will transfer the (.avi) video files to your computer. The camera can take still pics or videos.

 

Electric motors power this drone quadcopter  The underbelly mounted camera  The radio control handset

 

The 'V959' drone also comes with a very basic quality camera, but this is just a feasibility study. It takes decent enough pictures to demonstrate the concept, but by comparison mobile phone cameras offer superior picture quality. The camera can be activated via the controller, but it offers very little in the way of control or feedback, such as may be needed for fleet observations during plastic patrols. This drone can be made to return to the flight deck of the Enterprise 1 by itself using off the shelf hobby equipment. Many RC model aircraft have this feature to prevent total loss of control, when, for example, a model flies out of radio range. 

 

V959 Quadcopter Model Specifications and package: Overall Diameter 23.5cm, Height 9cm, Weight 82.9grams, 4-Ch 2.4G Remote controller, 100% assembled V959 w/ Spy Camera, Battery Charger + 3.7V 500mAh Li-Po Battery, Instruction Manual and 4 X extra rotor blades.

 

 

Radio controls for drone operation of the SeaVax robot

 

While the above RC sets take care of the UAVs, the Focus radio set above takes care of the SeaVax when in drone mode. For this we need a true 8 channel digital proportional RC set with six stick controls, two on a mixer. This crystal locked set cost under £100 with servos, only possible by making a hybrid from two sets. This combination rig has four stick levers and so allows us to perform some neat tricks. In combination with the 2.4 G UAV sets, it's ideal for putting this model of the robot ocean cleaner through its paces in remote control mode. We will though be looking to increase our radio power for multi-user displays - as in road shows.

 

 

 

 

LINKS

 

Hydrocyclone

Wikipedia Hydrocyclone

vafusa hydrocyclone separators

KSB GIW Industries

Machinery data plastic lumber

Forrec dual shaft shredders

Vortex depollution products shredders pet bottle perforator

Marine Link Indian Navy Drones UAVs

Gizmag Skysense pad charging drone lands

SUAS news 2014 worlds-largest-multirotor-makes-successful-maiden-flight
Motherboard Vice drones would revolutionize whale watching if they werent illegal

Unmanned Systems Australia automated launch and recovery

Meret Marine les-uav-deviennent-incontournables-pour-les-marines

Maritime journal news onboard systems safety survival and-training life saving maritime rescue drone

Anwendungszentrum

Copernicus masters

http://www.esa-bic.de/

http://www.esa-bic.de/

http://www.anwendungszentrum.de/

http://www.copernicus-masters.com/

http://www.esnc.info/

http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/onboard-systems/safety,-survival-and-training/life-saving-maritime-rescue-drone

http://www.flightglobal.com/landingpage/Beth%20Stevenson.html

http://www.uasvision.com/2014/09/26/blue-bear-furthers-uav-automation-research/

http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/les-uav-deviennent-incontournables-pour-les-marines

http://www.unmannedsystemsaustralia.com.au/latestnews/?p=812

http://www.oceanfutures.org/

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/drones-would-revolutionize-whale-watching-if-they-werent-illegal

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3034058/Amazon-gets-ahead-test-delivery-drones-US.html

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2017062404/b-go-beyond

http://www.suasnews.com/2014/04/28563/worlds-largest-multirotor-makes-successful-maiden-flight/

http://www.mediadesk.uzh.ch/articles/2015/Drohnen_en.html

http://www.dpaonthenet.net/article/91779/New-technology-could-make-drones-safer-and-smarter.aspx

http://www.gizmag.com/skysense-pad-charging-drone-lands/34592/

http://www.faa.gov/

http://indiannavy.nic.in/

http://www.marinelink.com/news/indian-drones-borne386886.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_MQ-8_Fire_Scout

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeryon_Scout

http://www.forbes.com/

http://www.hydrocyclone.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocyclone

https://www.vafusa.com/hydrocyclone-separators.htm

 

 

 

 

Youtube

 

 

ARCTIC - ATLANTIC - BALTIC - BERING - CARIBBEAN - CORAL - EAST CHINA - ENGLISH CH - GULF MEXICO

GOM - INDIAN - MEDITERRANEAN - NORTH SEA - PACIFIC - PERSIAN GULF - SEA JAPAN - STH CHINA

PLANKTON - PLASTIC OCEANS - RISING SEA LEVELS - UNEP


 

Turtles are at risk from plastic garbage in our oceans

 

Our love affair with plastic is choking the oceans. Once people know about it, they want to stop it. But how? The next question is who? Obviously, if any of the researchers involved so far had come up with a solution, they would have sorted it years ago. We are a practical think-tank fresh to the issue and without a budget. We hope to be able to collaborate with other marine organisations that are funded for this work, or who have funds to investigate viable projects. You cannot donate to us directly on this site, but we hope to identify partner sites shortly where you can support a project much like that proposed herein, or better still, our own practical experiments. Volunteer APPRENTICE careers.

 

 

 

 

This website is Copyright © 2016 Bluebird Marine Systems Ltd.   The names Bluebird™, Bluefish™, Miss Ocean™, SeaNet™, SeaVax™ and the blue bird and fish in flight logos are  trademarksCONTACTS   The color blue is a protected feature of the trademarks.

 

 Bluefish autonomous marine warfare robotic cruiser  Bluebird trademark legend, blue bird in flight logo