UAS platforms are being increasingly utilized for various applications on coast lines. Coastal UAS operations include, but are not limited to, monitoring the stability of a coastline’s erosion, measuring the impact of flooding and other natural disasters, assessing cliff stability, applying data gained from coastal UAS operations to assist insurance agencies, communities, local environmental government agencies, such as the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), monitoring coastal vegetation, and assisting the Coast Guard. New applications (as well as platforms) arise, seemingly on a daily basis. Deciding which one is right for you can be difficult.
This report is intended to be consultative in nature,
comparing a few different fixed-wing UAS tiers and platforms and is thus, not
comprehensive. When one thinks of UAS platforms, more commonly referred to as “drones,”
one may immediately picture a multi-rotor platform. While there are many multi-rotor
platforms that can satisfy many different commercial coastline UAS applications,
fixed-wing platforms are generally faster, can cover a larger area, are
typically more stable in high wind coastal areas, and enjoy longer flight
times, so they will remain the focus in this report. Every platform decision
regarding an intended UAS application should involve careful consideration.
This report intends to help make that decision, be an informed one for you.
The platforms contained in this report are cost-tiered in
ascending order. Many platforms have been researched and the following
highlight one recommended platform for each tier. The tiers are Hobbyist, Mid-Level Commercial and High
Level Commercial, respectively, and the complexity of the application the
UAS platform is intended for has a direct, positive correlation with said tiers.
Therein, information regarding their sensors
(and potential sensors), mission
planning software, range, flight
time, top speed and other distinctive characteristics can
be found, as well as what type of coastline UAS application may be best for
each platform and tier.
Safety and adherence to all local, federal (FAA), national,
international and maritime laws are imperative to successful UAS missions.
Hobbyist
MSRP: $1,299.00 USD (includes Parrot DISCO, Skycontroller 2,
and Cockpit Glasses)
Sensors: Camera 14MP; Video 1080P HD; Altimeter; Ultrasound
Sensor, Vertical Camera
Mission Planning Software: Parrot C.H.U.C.K. (Control Hub
& Universal Computer Kit)
The
Parrot C.H.U.C.K. utilizes multiple sensors to assist with an automatic
take-off and landing as well as assisted piloting.
Range: 1.2 mi (1.6km)
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Top Speed: 50mhp (80.5kph)
Distinctive Characteristics: Lightweight, compact, powerful.
The Parrot DISCO FPV has an aerodynamic and aesthetically
pleasing shape. It is made from expanded polypropylene (EPP) and carbon tubes.
It can be set up and ready for pre-flight procedures within 3 minutes. Once set
up, the drone weighs in at 1.6lbs. While not recommended, additional sensors
can be fitted onto the DISCO’s EPP frame. Doing so would require careful
consideration so as not to greatly impact the aerodynamic qualities of the
aircraft, would need to be extremely lightweight, and come with an
understanding that any warranty would be voided. Modifications of this nature
are much more effective and appropriate in the other tiers.
While
piloting can be done viewing through the cockpit with your smartphone or tablet
mounted on the controller, flying the Parrot DISCO FPV is a much more immersive
experience when coupled with the Parrot Skycontroller 2 and the Parrot Cockpit
glasses. The pilot inserts the iOS or Android smartphone into the Parrot
Cockpit Glasses to do so.
The
Parrot DISCO FPV is also compatible with the FreeFlight Pro application
available for free on the AppStore and on Google Play. Users can record and store
data of each flight and give them access to ‘Flight Plan’ to create automatic
flights.
This
tier of fixed-wing UAS is going to be most typically associated with cinematic applications.
Good uses include making travel/promotional videos, scenic photography, golf
course fly-over hole previews, and various real estate promotional
applications.
Mid-Level Commercial
MSRP: $15,180.00 USD
Sensors: Avionics Sensors, Communications Hardware, Viewport
Kit, Data Kit
Mission Planning Software: Flare™ ground station software
suite
Range: 3+ mi (+4.8km); 10,000ft ceiling
Flight Time: 90 minutes
Distinctive Characteristics: Amphibious work-horse
When considering coastal UAS applications, amphibious
platforms can offer unique versatility. Being able to land and recover a UAS on
water adds functionality to applications. The F7200 models are made out of
rugged composite materials and are much more durable than hobbyist level foams.
They can be flown in various weather conditions as well.
Nova
F7200 models are equipped with The Fusion™, which are advanced Digital Single-Lens
Reflex (DSLR)-based photogrammetric mapping payloads. All sensor data
synchronizes to the microsecond and the on-board embedded computing and storage
allows for comprehensive QA/QC throughout the process of data-acquisition. The
payloads are swappable and can be customized to each mission. Data from
Altavian multi-rotor platforms can be easily combined with data obtained from
the Nova F7200 series.
Altavian
offers training packages as well. Training includes an instructor-led courses
and 3 days of in-person training.
While this
tier of fixed-wing UAS is able to do everything a hobbyist level drone can do
and more, using one for cinematic applications is overkill. Some good uses
include mapping, monitoring coastal erosion and cliff stability, measuring the impact
of flooding and other natural disasters, providing communities, insurance
companies and/or financial institutions with inspection and investment data, and
monitoring coastal vegetation.
High-Level Commercial
MSRP: Customizable; starts at $50,000.00 USD
Sensors: Epsilon 135 Gyro Stabilized Payload. Options
include HD daylight and 640x480 Infrared night sensor; Onboard integrated image
processor unit; H.264-encoded video in up to 720p HD
Operational Radius: 60 mi (96.6km); 15,000ft. Mean Sea Level
(MSL) ceiling
Mission Planning Software: Piccolo Cloud Cap Technology Autopilot System
Mission Planning Software: Piccolo Cloud Cap Technology Autopilot System
Flight Time: Over 20 hours
Top Speed: 32m/s / 62.2 knots (max level speed); 19-22 m/s /
37-43 knots (cruise speed)
Distinctive Characteristics: Can do it all.
The Penguin C UAV is equipped with a self-regulating, 28cc fuel-injected
engine with a 100W onboard generator system that handles up to 55lbs takeoff
weight. It is intended for long endurance and long range use. The system
includes two UAVs, a ground control station, a tracking antenna system, and pneumatic
launched and ground support equipment.
UAV
Factory also provides 15 day mission planning, flight operation and equipment
maintenance training. The vehicles are fully autonomous and the ground control station is it's own robust platform.
The Penguin C has many safety features. It allows pilots to be runway-independent with a catapult take-off, and includes a parachute recovery system (which includes Recovery Estimator software). Operator-caused errors can be avoided with Penguin Copilot software as well, which automatically executes safety decisions, utilizing its own integrated safety tree. All said features are autonomous.
With over 20 hours of flight time and a 60 mile operational radius at your disposal, applications of the highest complexity are capable with this platform. In addition to missions mid-level drones can carry out, the Penguin C is capable of much more. The Penguin C has third party payload compatibility. With the right payload, it can assist military entities execute search and rescue, reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
The Penguin C has many safety features. It allows pilots to be runway-independent with a catapult take-off, and includes a parachute recovery system (which includes Recovery Estimator software). Operator-caused errors can be avoided with Penguin Copilot software as well, which automatically executes safety decisions, utilizing its own integrated safety tree. All said features are autonomous.
With over 20 hours of flight time and a 60 mile operational radius at your disposal, applications of the highest complexity are capable with this platform. In addition to missions mid-level drones can carry out, the Penguin C is capable of much more. The Penguin C has third party payload compatibility. With the right payload, it can assist military entities execute search and rescue, reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
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