Industry News

13Dec

Raytheon Announces Block 2 Update for Coyote tube-launched UAS

Recently, Raytheon announced the development of a “Block 2” update of the Coyote, a tube-launched unmanned aircraft system (UAS) it acquired more than two years ago. The aim is to produce a low-cost, multi-mission-capable air vehicle that users ultimately dispose of once it completes a mission. “We do recover and reuse them in our development work. However, for operational use and purposes, it is meant to be disposable or ‘attritable’. It’s meant to be a one-time platform just like a Tomahawk missile,” said John Hobday, Raytheon’s Coyote business development lead. “The difference is that we are approaching the Coyote platform not only as a disposable, but as a low-cost system. That’s part of the disruptive nature of what we’re trying to do with this platform—to create this low-cost appliance, if you will.”  

History of Coyote UAS

Originally, a company named Advanced Ceramic Research, of Tucson, Arizona, developed the Coyote, Manta and Silver Fox UAS under small business contracts from the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR). Defense contractor BAE Systems acquired the company in 2009, then sold it back to one of the former owners under the name Sensintel. Raytheon acquired Sensintel in 2015 and folded the company into its Tucson-based Missile Systems business. The 13-pound, propeller-driven air vehicle, features foldout tandem wings and tail fins. It deploys from a standard A-size sonobuoy tube with a parachute, or from a pneumatic ground box launcher. Potential missions include using the Coyote fitted with sensors for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), as a communications relay, an electronic warfare asset or a loitering munition. Another scenario envisions multiple Coyotes working cooperatively as a drone swarm. The Coyote is larger and carries a four-pound payload. This is more than available from the similar AeroVironment Switchblade, a six-pound flying munition and ISR platform; and the four-pound Lockheed Martin Vector Hawk, a canister-launched drone that has deployed from an autonomous underwater vehicle.  

Coyote UAS Updates

Raytheon (Chalet 294, Static B8) is redesigning the Coyote to incorporate a turbine engine for high-speed applications, in addition to the current battery-powered pusher propeller approach, Hobday said. The manufacturer’s focus is to maintain a common airframe which can launch from the ground, a ship or an aircraft. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) used the Coyote as a sensing platform to conduct hurricane research. The agency first deployed the small UAS in a hurricane in September 2014 when it launched the Coyote from a Lockheed WP-3D Orion turboprop into the eye of Hurricane Edouard. The Lockheed Martin C-130 and Cessna Caravan have also served as launch platforms for the Coyote, Hobday said. Under an ONR future naval capability program, Raytheon is working to introduce it on the Boeing P-8A Poseidon antisubmarine warfare aircraft, a derivative of the 737-800 airliner. Work also continues with NOAA and the four U.S. military services, Hobday said. He declined to comment on a report in specialist defense journal Janes earlier this year, based on an interview with Raytheon executives, that the U.S. Army has asked the company to develop the Coyote as a counter-UAS asset to intercept rogue drones. “All of the various iterations of the Coyote airframe are driven by customer requirements,” Hobday said. “This is a system that we can very rapidly modify for emerging missions to meet new requirements that our various Department of Defense customers have for different types of missions, different concepts of operation.” He added: “Always the intent is a very low-cost, commoditized ‘truck’ that is disposable at the end of whatever its defined mission is.”
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12Dec

Choosing the Optimal Propeller Blade

To choose the optimal drone propeller blade, the user should consider a number of factors. Drone propeller blades have a significant influence on power and affect how smoothly a drone flies. As such, flight efficiency is one of the most important considerations. It begs the question, how will new drone propeller blades improve the flight efficiency of your multi-rotor UAV? When selecting new drone propeller blades, the following factors are important considerations:  

Number & Size of Blades

The number of blades required per propeller will vary depending on the platform, usage and payload requirements. Drones for racing and acrobatics most frequently use smaller blades, under eight inches. Smaller blades are generally paired with smaller motors with high kV ratings. Larger blades, over eight inches, are paired with motors that have low kV ratings. These blades are used to carry heavier payloads, such as video equipment or spraying containers for agriculture.  

Pitch

Pitch is defined as the traveling distance per a single revolution of the propeller. The correct pitch will often depend on the specific application for a UAV platform. Lower pitch often results in more torque and less turbulence for lifting. As a result, the motors do not have to work as hard to carry heavy payloads. And, since the motors draw less current from the battery, it results in increased flight time. Propellers with higher pitches move more air but generally create more turbulence and less torque.  

Diameter

Typically, a larger diameter propeller blade allows greater contact with the air. This relates directly to flight efficiency, as a small increase or decrease in diameter can change how efficiently a drone performs. In comparison to smaller propellers, larger propellers tend to provide more stability when hovering. However, smaller propeller blades require less effort to speed up or slow down than larger ones. This makes smaller blades more responsive than larger propellers. Smaller propellers with a high pitch are better suited for fast and quick maneuvers. Larger propellers with low pitches are more appropriate for carrying heavier payloads and aerial video cameras.  

Additional considerations

  • Blade material
  • Power
  • RPM
  • Air density
  • Maximum noise
In summary, selecting the most appropriate propeller blades depends on the planned use as well as additional factors. Understanding how propeller blades effect drone performance helps remove some of the guess work.

Shop KDE Direct's line of propeller blades at Unmanned Systems Source.

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11Dec

Free, Open-to-Public Online Drone Operation Course Available through Embry-Riddle Worldwide

Embry-RiddleEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Worldwide Campus will once again offer a free, two-week Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on drone operation called Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Key Concepts for New Users. Scheduled to run from Jan. 22 to Feb. 4, the open-to-all course covers everything new users need to know in order to safely operate personal drones.  

Class Details

Participants will learn about equipment, airspace, legal requirements and flight planning tools, as well as how to step up to the next level and become commercial drone operators. “We have had consistently great feedback about this course,” said Dr. Kristy Kiernan, who is the lead educator for the class. “We are especially excited about the updates and changes we have made to reflect the most up-to-the-minute information in this rapidly changing part of aviation.” The instructors for the class include full-time Embry-Riddle faculty members and experts from the unmanned aircraft systems industry. Embry-Riddle has offered this MOOC annually since 2015. “One of the strengths of this class, and of Embry-Riddle in general, is the partnership we have with industry,” Dr. Kiernan said. “Our students get the best academic experience, plus the benefit of contact with real-world challenges.”  

Registration Details

Registration for the sUAS MOOC begins Dec. 11 at worldwide.erau.edu/massive-open-online-courses. The next upcoming MOOC offered by Embry-Riddle Worldwide will be:
  • Aviation Maintenance (Feb. 26 to March 11)- A free, two-week course covers aircraft maintenance, inspections and how to effectively manage global challenges facing the industry. Participants will learn about the different types of maintenance and inspection classes, as well as how to integrate safety into daily operations, while also maintaining efficiency. Instructors for the class include full-time Embry-Riddle faculty members and experts from the aviation industry. Registration for the Aviation Maintenance MOOC begins Jan. 15.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a bachelor’s degree in specializing in Unmanned Aircraft Systems at its Daytona Beach and Prescott, AZ campuses, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Unmanned Systems Applications and a master’s degree in Unmanned Systems through its online Worldwide campus. Embry-Riddle also offers professional development courses.
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07Dec

Drones Over the Arctic: solar-powered drone captures energy and soars

The race to develop vehicles powered by clean energy is well on its way. Currently, electric and hybrid cars are readily available on the market. As for drones, most already rely on "clean energy" in the form of lipo batteries, to operate. Solar energy is one sector, however, where exploration is still in its infancy. Recently,  researchers from the Autonomous Systems Laboratory and Glaciologists from ETH Zurich collaborated on a special project: Sun2Ice. The goal? Develop a solar-powered drone and test its ability to monitor glaciers over the vast expanse of the Arctic. Given the size and immensity of glacial landscapes, the challenge for scientists was designing a vehicle that offered extended flight times. To accomplish this, the team looked to harness the power of the sun. The end result was AtlantikSolar, a UAV equipped with solar panels that allowed it to stay aloft for days.  

An ideal testing ground

In terms of finding an optimal place to test this developmental craft, the Polar Regions -- with its continuous daylight -- proved ideal. The research team hoped to use the midnight sun to create perpetual unmanned flight conditions. And, thus, provide the UAV the endurance required to survey the vast landscape. Guillaume Jouvert, a Hydraulics, Hydrology and Glaciology senior researcher, and Thomas Stastney, a PHD student in Autonomous systems at ETH Zurich, lead the project. They put together two teams from their respective fields to attempt that goal.  

Countdown to Take Off

As can be expected with any event that requires the weather to play nice, things didn’t quite go according to plan. But the results of the test still provided some useful insight. Qaanaa, a small town in Northwestern Greenland, served as the epicenter. This test location is surrounded by several calving glaciers, accessible by plane, yet still well connected. Tests were to occur in June 2017. However, when the team arrived a takeoff and landing spot identified months earlier, was no longer viable. The UAV's payload included a ground-facing camera and additional sensitive equipment. Rough landings were out of the question. So began a week of feverish work to create a suitable landing site for the UAV. Additional delays included heavy fog that lasted for several days. Despite the setbacks, clear skies opened up at the end of June. The tests could finally start. The first test flight for AtlantikSolar’s was a 24-hour circular trip. The solar-powered craft took off on June 20. Unfortunately, 12-hours into the flight, the test was cut short as thick fog returned to the region. Still, the team collected vital data. Remarkably, despite poor sunlight and stronger than expected winds, battery levels were still high, at 60 percent. The data suggested that AtlantikSolar was on pace to achieve 20-hours of uninterrupted flight, despite the poor weather conditions. The data also suggested that 24-hour continuous flight time was achievable given the right conditions. Additionally, the results convinced researchers that the drone was ready to begin surveying glaciers. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t done yet.  

Solar-powered drone

It wasn't until July 3 that the weather cleared for the second launch. AtlantikSolar approached its first glacier less than two hours after take-off. The UAV captured images of the calving front of Bowdoin Glacier  despite winds of up to 15 m/s buffeting the unmanned aircraft. AtlantikSolar successfully returned to Qaanaaq after 5-hours of flight covering 230km. The drones’ battery still retained nearly a full charge, showing the true potential of solar-powered UAVs. In addition, the team discovered the beginnings of a break forming at the front of the large glacier. AtlantikSolar’s mapping information allowed glaciologists to visit Bowdoin in time and monitor the cracks progression until it finally broke away. Beyond surveying the arctic, solar-powered drones have tremendous application potential. Geographic locations which enjoy long periods of uninterrupted sunshine are particularly applicable. Solar-powered UAVs, like AtlantikSolar, are low-cost vehicles with the added benefit of using renewable energy. The results achieved by Guillaume and Thomas along with their respective teams show that harnessing the power of the sun to power vehicles is feasible in the right conditions. Of course, there is a need for additional research and development before such vehicles become commonplace. But, with the promising results achieved by AtlantikSolar, it seems like solar-powered drones are well on their way.  
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21Nov

Reforestation at Industrial Scale Possible Via Drone?

A former NASA engineer is harnessing the potential of drone technology for a very ambitious project. The project? Ecosystem restoration. More precisely, scaling reforestation projects to a size previously unimaginable. The goal? Plant 1 billion trees every year...via drone. Lauren Fletcher spent 20 years at NASA as an engineer before founding BioCarbon Engineering. The startup's entire focus is reforestation. More precisely, reforestation via the use of drones. BioCarbon Engineering plans to combat deforestation and restore global forests with a unique solution. Their platform takes the best data available and enables local specialists to restore their landscapes both quickly and affordably.  

Industrial-scale Combating Clear-Cutting, 1 Billion Trees at a Time

Advancements in technology facilitated the large-scale harvesting of forests. Now, in a process known as clear cutting, acres of forests are harvested in a single day. Each year, it is estimated that clear-cutting is responsible for the disappearance of 26 billion trees around the world. Reforesting such vast areas is a challenge. The end result? Trees are cut down much quicker than they are replaced. Industrial-scale deforestation around the world is threatening to upset the ecosystem’s balance. To combat the danger, reforestation projects continue to gain prominence. Through various initiatives, many countries are actively working to replace trees. Traditionally, reforestation is done by hand. On average, a single individual can plant 3000 seeds or saplings in a day. This method is labor intensive and time consuming which makes closing the gap on deforestation frustratingly slow. BioCarbon Engineering believes technology holds the answer. Drone technology can speed up and improve the process of replanting trees. They hope to improve the replanting rate to a projected 36,000 plants per day...or 1 billion trees in a year. Because terrains can vary, using drones to plant trees and regenerate forests is not meant to replace the human element, but complement it.  

Reforestation via Drone?

BioCarbon's plan? Modify consumer drones so they can plant seeds and tree saplings. But that's just the start. What follows is a simple, yet clever way of using the drones to improve the speed and efficiency of replanting efforts. First, drones fly over a potential site, take photographs and conduct an aerial surveys. The team then creates a 3D aerial map and a "seeding" plan suitable for the terrain. The team developed specialized pods which contain germinated seeds packed in a nutrient-rich substance. These bio-degradable pods sustain and protect the young plant until it can take root. The pods load into a pressurized canister aboard the drone and fire into the ground. Drones fly a path that is roughly 3-6 feet above the ground. The number of drones in operation depends on the size of the site. BioCarbon estimates that just two drone pilots operating multiple UAVs can plant up to 36,000 saplings a day. If successful, the company’s approach would significantly improve global reforestation efforts.  

Replacing Tree Losses on a Massive Scale

Today, some of the highest rates of deforestation occur in Latin America, Brazil, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Additionally, parts of Africa face the same issue. This may explain why Fletcher and BioCarbon are targeting projects in South Africa and the Amazon jungle first. In addition to improving reforestation efforts, drones can also access areas that are inaccessible to humans. Plus, BioCarbon believes this technology can help improve the overall health of local ecosystems. For example, pods can help spread various fungi and micro-organisms that improve soil quality as well as diversify the species of trees replanted in the forest. The efforts of BioCarbon is another example of drone use for humanitarian purposes. The company’s goals align with the UN’s plan to restore up to 300 billion trees by the year 2030. And, tree planting drones may just bring that goal within reach.  
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01Nov

Mini Crypto Chip Developed by USAF to Secure Communications, Data

The use of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) continues to expand into various industries. And, with that expansion comes growing awareness about the need for secure communications. Of course, for the military, security is nothing new. In a world where data is everything, protecting secret data from malicious hackers is vital.  

Mini Crypto chip

Recently, the US Air Force (USAF) announced the development of a chip to secure communications and data between systems. One such example? For example, such a chip could secure communications between an unmanned aerial vehicle and an explosive ordnance disposal robot. Described as a self-contained encryption engine, the new Mini Crypto chip is capable of generating its own session-based ‘key’. About the size of a cracker, the chip is small and lightweight by design. At 400 milliwatts, its power requirement is roughly the same as a hearing aid. As such, it can install on equipment carried by one-person parties operating as scouts and forward air controllers. The chip's use includes joint and coalition environments, providing tailored access to data. Mini-crypto can also segregate data on a need-to-know basis “We think the Mini Crypto chip will really help forward-deployed warfighters secure sensors, or communications devices, in areas where risk of interception is high, and still protect sensitive data without burdening folks on the front lines with extra equipment or steps to safeguard the encryption device,” said Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Cryptologic and Cyber System Division, Mini Crypto programme manager Heidi Beason.  

How it works

Mini Crypto works by establishing a key between sender and receiver. Once encrypted, the chip requires the exact key to read it. Mini Crypto's unique key management system protects up to secret data and meets NSA encryption standards. By the time a message is readable by an adversary, it is no longer useful information, the USAF stated. “Communications devices all have a processor, where a message is formatted for transmission," said Mini Crypto deputy programme manager Christopher Edsall. "Its key management system protects secret data and meets the National Security Agency standards." “In the case of a computer, it's the central processing unit. Mini Crypto is located after the processing center but before the transmission center, which is usually a radio. Another Mini Crypto chip is installed at the receiver end after the receiving antennae, but before the CPU. The second Mini Crypto chip decrypts the received message as it comes through the radio where the unencrypted message is processed, and then it is displayed or heard.” The chip’s ability to operate by consuming 400 milliwatts of power makes it suitable for installation on equipment carried by one-person parties operating as scouts and forward air controllers.
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