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DAY ONE: Sunday, 17 February
Session 1
Medium Range Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Experience - Conceptual Design to Certification
Dr. Zairil Zaludin, Universiti Putra Malaysia, MALAYSIA
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) activities in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) were motivated by the growing demands in UAV products and services in the region. Designed as a Medium Range UAV with over 6 hours loitering capability, the vehicle is capable of carrying more than 20kg of payload. The program began from the initial design phase in 2002, followed by fabrication, avionics installation, ground testing and finally flight testing. After various testing in the lab and on the field, the UAV was prepared for endorsement from 2 major governing bodies in the country, the Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Corporation (MCMC). In 2006, the official certifications from both institutions were granted. This paper highlights the history of the UAV program started as a research project and later recognized as one of the successful UAV programs in Malaysia. The paper highlights the importance to synergize the researchers and engineers with the governing authorities such as the DCA and MCMC to ensure lasting success that can benefit the industry and the nation. The paper also includes a few lessons learned from the demonstrations made to promote the use of UAV in civil applications.
Certification and Airworthiness of UAS: Methodology and Experience
Dr. Tamara Gottesman, Elbit Systems Ltd., ISRAEL
The paper will present the methodology and activities of Elbit Systems to obtain Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) Special Permits for Unmanned Aircraft System Type (SP-UAS-T) for tactical medium and small Unmanned Aircraft System ( UAS) (such as Hermes 450, Skylark I and Skylark II), in parallel with meeting the civil and military certification requirements of various customers. The certification methodology of UAS is presently in a transition stage. The fast development of UAS raises a requirement to operate them in non-segregated airspace, while the regulatory framework is not yet mature and internationally harmonized standards, regulations and procedures are still in development. The differences involved in certification of systems with vast experience and the certification of new systems in stage of development will be discussed based on the comparison between the Hermes 450 and the Watchkeeper systems. The Hermes 450 System was the first UAS that has been granted a SP-UAS-T and an authorization to operate under CAAI jurisdiction in Israel. The certification process of the Watchkeeper system is in progress, against military and civil requirements. Being a new system it will be certified by a rational process based on the state of the art procedures and airworthiness requirements.
International and NATO Issues Facing Unmanned Aircraft Systems
BGEN Elia Baldazzi, Joint Air Power Competence Centre, USA
NGA Support for Airborne ISR Interoperability
Mr. Donnie Self, Airborne Data and Services Integration (NGA/ASIE), USA
A. NGA/ASIE Mission
a. Using a combination of national, theater, and tactical assets, NGA/ASIE helps integrate multi-service collection platforms into system independent, National System for Geospatial Intelligence (NSG)
b. Provides NGA geospatial management functional guidance to Service DCGS
c. Leads the DCGS Coalition Interoperability IPT
d. Leads the DCGS IMINT IPT
B. DCGS Acquisition Standards Handbook
a. Purpose and overview
b. Commercial standards
c. International standards
d. Included in DoD Information Technology Standards and Profile Registry (DISR)
e. Edition 2 being finalized
C. Metadata Harmonization
a. Initiative to insure standards are consistent with each other
b. Basis of interoperability not only within USA but with coalition partners
D. Sensor Standards Acquisition Guide (S2AG)
a. Purpose and overview
i. Provide compendium of standards applicable to the sensor acquisition community to promote the interoperability of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) systems and data.
b. Recommended list of standards to enable
i. Interoperability between imagery sensors and airborne, ground and maritime-based users of data produced by these sensors
ii. Interoperability between sensors and other users, such as those in the NSG, the Intelligence Community (IC), and eventually Coalition partners and Civil and Federal Law Enforcement agencies
c. S2AG based on commercial and international standards
E. Community Sensor Model Working Group
a. Purpose and overview
b. Products
F. Applications
a. DCGS Integration Backbone
b. Empire Challenge
Automatic Performance Evaluation of UAS operators
Mr. Roy Peshin, Simlat, ISRAEL
Automatic computerized evaluation of skills and performance, in the world of UAS operation, has numerous potential applications such as the perfection of training systems and online assistance to operational activities. However, in spite of the obvious need there has not been much progress in this field due to technological and conceptual difficulties. The main challenges have been the development of smart algorithms that actually measure operational success and failure, and the calibration and validation of these algorithms with real data. The current paper elaborates on this subject – the need, the challenges and some possible solutions. The paper relies on ongoing R&D made by Simlat UAV Training Solutions. In addition, specific case studies shall be presented.
Session 2
Maritime Security Undersea Protection Priorites
Mr. Robert Wehrle, Alion Science and Technology, USA
The ability to monitor, assess, and protect the integrity of undersea maritime resources represents a gaping hole in our preparedness. A well timed attack on any one of these assets would produce significant damage and further undermine public confidence in the ability of government to protect national interests and assets. This paper identifies key maritime undersea assets based on stated strategic goals of the terrorist community and suggests an approach for countering the threat.
Captive Air Amphibious Transporter - A New Approach to Amphibious Operations
Mr. Jeff Kline, Navatek Ltd., USA
For ONR's Seabasing T-CRAFT Program, Navatek and GDRS are developing a 270 LT amphibious vehicle (C-AAT) capable of transporting 165 LT of payload (two M1A2 Abrams tanks plus)from a T-CRAFT mother-ship and onto dry beach. Each C-AAT is the same footprint of an LCAC but offers a substantial increase in payload. It employs a "patent-pending" floatation/propulsion system consisting of two independently driven buoyant “tracks” that encircle the entire C-AAT structure. While afloat, the buoyant tracks provide buoyancy as well as propulsion and maneuverability from the buoyant track's “paddle wheel effect”. As the fully loaded C-AAT comes ashore, the buoyant tracks gain traction on the bottom (applying only two pounds per square inch ground pressure) and are able to transport the 270 long ton C-AAT over all types of soft and hard terrain with good maneuverability. The C-AATs operate in a manned mode, a tele-operated mode or an autonomous mode using a Mission Management System (MMS) interface in the T-CRAFT. The MMS allows a single operator the ability to simultaneously control up to 5 C-AATs and provides the personnel onboard the C-AAT with information to enhance their situational awareness as they approach the beach.
The Use of a Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle for the Detection of Suspect Items on Ship Hulls
Raymond Sng, Precision Technologies Pte Ltd.
The ever-growing threat of terrorism presents uniquely challenging requirements in the protection of ports and harbors. Military and commercial ships are especially vulnerable in that they can be approached by land or sea, affording innumerable opportunities for assault. A specific area of threat includes mines affixed externally to ship hulls, including those of the direct contact (Limpet) type. The Bluefin Robotics Hovering Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (HAUV) was designed specifically for the purpose of detecting mines and other potential threats that have been covertly attached to ship hulls. The Bluefin Robotics HAUV is completely autonomous and can scan an entire ship’s hull without operator control in a matter of 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the ship (for example, a 500 foot cruiser can be scanned in just 2 hours per side). DIDSON imaging sonar provides detailed images of the hull and can autonomously identify potential threat targets for immediate or later review as desired. The HAUV represents the most advanced ship hull scanning and mine detection technology available and is an important part of port and harbor security worldwide.
Preliminary Design and Prototyping Results of an Encapsulated Underwater Launch System for Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
Mr. Ryan Stenson, SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego, USA
Launching a micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from covert underwater assets enables tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in denied areas while maintaining near full covertness. SPAWAR Systems Center San Diego has conducted initial prototyping work with a small folding wing vehicle and has demonstrated initial tube launches, and an underwater encapsulation system. This work represents the first ever attempt to launch a small UAV from underwater, the only attempt to encapsulate a UAV for submerged launch, and the only system capable of providing real time ISR to underwater assets in a tactical manner and at a standoff.
This system can be deployed via several different mechanisms including, deploying the system from a submarine, an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) or Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV), and from a diver. Launching the system from a UUV enables long-distance standoff deployment of the UAV. The UAV can be controlled remotely or pre-programmed to fly a specific route. The system can also be configured to courier data from underwater sensor networks or data collection nodes – covertly carrying physical data and recorded information to remote recovery sites while the data collection system remains in place. It can also be used as an emergency communications relay.
DAY TWO: Monday, 18 February
Session 3
Automated Power Train System Utilizing a Direct-Shift Gearbox and Digital Motor Drivers
Mr. John Young, DLY, USA
Abstract: Digital Motor drivers provide users access to dynamic parameters in the power train system, including torque, current, speed, position, drive faults, system faults, etc.. Traditional robotic power train systems utilize a hard-set gearbox along with a motor driver, limiting the motion performance to the motor torque/speed and the driver set points. By utilizing the dynamic parameters that can be extracted from the digital drive, employing a direct-shift gearbox, and employing a dedicated microprocessor, a fully autonomous/automatic power train system can be realized which provides: More efficient operation over speed Higher torque achievable when necessary Higher Speed achievable when necessary Fully independent node, JAUS compatibility within a robotic system. Conclusion: By exploiting the technology associated within digital motion control amplifiers, utilizing a direct-shift gearbox and employing a dedicated system microprocessor, an autonomous/automatic power train system can be realized. This power-train system has the advantage of being as active, or as passive, as the end-user configures it for, can be fully JAUS compatible, and can be sized to various platform degrees.
Engineering High Density, High Power Motion Control Drivers in Unmanned Systems
Mr. Uzi Avisar, ELMO Motion control, ISRAEL
The World of AUVSI's Unmanned Systems is developing a growing need for intelligent miniature digital servo drives for DC brush and brushless motors, linear motors and voice coils. With the development of high maneuvering systems FEEDBACKS become critical and, therefore, intelligent drivers are essential building blocks. High density allows for saving valuable space and weight as well as delivering SMART motion power. Based on Elmo's ExtrIQ technology, the ready-to-use Bee, Hornet and Eagle are capable of operating in position, velocity and current modes and contain a wide range of feedback and I/O options. Users can easily perform drive setup, configuration, tuning, analysis and programming. The drive operates on DC power. This session will review the latest developments in PUTING HIGH DENSITY & HIGH POWER MOTION CONTROL DRIVERS INTO PRACTICE IN unmanned systems.
Development of a Flight Ready 500cc Twin-cylinder Heavy Fuel Boxer Engine for UAV’s
Mr. Harold Hochstadt, Orbital Australia Pty Ltd, AUSTRALIA
Most UAV’s today utilize consumer off the shelf (COTS) spark ignition gasoline 2-stroke, 4-stroke and rotary engine technology because of their availability and good power to weight ratio. US and NATO countries are now requiring that UAV engines operate on heavy fuels such as JP5, JP8 and Jet A. To allow better control of the combustion process in compensating for the poor burn properties of heavy fuel, a COTS air-assisted direct injection system has been applied to a series of COTS 2-stroke UAV engines. This results in a heavy fuel engine that provides significant benefits over existing spark ignition, turbine or diesel engines. This paper explores the development of a flight ready 500cc 2-stroke heavy fuel boxer engine for a Tactical UAV. This engine utilizes air-assisted direct injection allowing it to operate on heavy fuel. The development process included computer aided engineering to maximize durability, while minimizing weight and vibration levels of the engine and engine mount. It also included engine calibration optimization for hot/cold environment, altitude, and fuel consumption. Extensive durability testing was also performed on the final version to confirm flight readiness. The process used to develop this engine and results are detailed further in this paper.
Development of a Rotary Engine with Circular Stator
Dr. Paul Okulov, Mecachrome Inc., CANADA
Present paper describes the process of development of a low vibration UAV propulsion system. The core component is a rotary internal combustion engine employing circular stator and a single four lobes articulated piston. The design effort is aimed at providing simplicity, high power to weight ratio, near zero radial vibration and instantaneous torque being as low as in a 6-cylinder engine. Compared with Wankel type rotary engines the leaning angle of the apex seals was reduced over 2.5 times which increased seals durability. Due to special rotor design the combustion chamber at TDC is defined as a semi-spherical confined cavity containing up to 90% of the compressed air-fuel mixture which provides better conditions for combustion and reduces thermal transfer losses. A distinct feature of the engine compared to conventional rotary and piston engines is pre-designed combustion volume geometry where the expansion path can be tailored. One of the variants of the engine being currently developed provides for heavy fuel application. The article also deals in detail with technological challenges the project is facing and benefits expected for UAV applications.
Automated target detection and tracking for UAV platforms
Dr. Paul Boxer, Sentient Vision Systems, AUSTRALIA
We present results obtained for a UAV Vision System, currently under development for the Australian Department of Defence. Prior to the commencement of this research program Defence were seeking a real-time software system capable of detecting ground-based targets. The current project significantly improves upon previous systems for automated target detection from a UAV over land-based environments. The capability improvements are: * Real time operation for high-resolution video imagery, up to 5 Megapixels. * Operation in mountainous and other non-planar landscapes. * Detection of small targets, down to the size of a single pixel. * Detection of slow-moving targets with speeds as low as one pixel per second. Example target detection events, concept of operations, operational envelope and implications for Defence are discussed.
Session 4
Lessons Learnt from Design & Operation of a Search & Rescue UAV
Mr. Shane Degen, Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation, AUSTRALIA
In February 2007 the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA) anounced the Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Outback Challenge. This competition will see around 13 teams come together from 4 different countries in late September 2007 to compete. The idea of the competition is for a UAV to autonomously search out a predefined area and locate a ‘lost bushwalker’ and deliver an emergency medical package. At the Queensland University of Technology 12 Avionics Engineering students have designed built and tested this system. This project has generated about $65k worth of sponsorship and for that we have been able to build two separate platforms. One for T&D, and another final implementation. Our solution will be capable of autonomous take-off and navigation to the search area, autonomous searching of the area with video feedback to the ground where a human ‘spotter’ is able to identify the target in real-time. Once identified UAV is able to autonomously deliver a 600mL bottle of coke to the lost bushwalker dubbed as Outback Joe within 20m of his location. I hope to be able to provide details about our system and the solution we used to achieve for mission execution, the system architecture and lessons learnt.
UAV Formation Maintenance in Linear and Curvilinear Trajectories
Mr. Tariq Abdelrahman, California State University Fullerton, SAUDI ARABIA
Formation based flying is an important attribute of aerial vehicle cooperation. It improves vehicles performance from the organizational as well as the resource utilization point of view. One key challenge in formation based flying is maintaining the formation for various types of trajectories. More so for unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs) as no human control is involved. In this paper, we present a methodology that directly addresses this challenge. It relies on a hub-and-spoke communication model between the leader (hub) and the rest of the members (spokes) of the formation. The proposed algorithm is based on “water level” technique, it is executed locally within each UAV, and it uses speed and heading data from sensors within each UAV and data sent to each member of the formation by the leader. It adjusts the speed and the heading of each vehicle based on the difference between a member UAV’s current (sensed) position and its designated position in the formation relative to the leader’s trajectory. The algorithm performance was evaluated using MultiUAV 2.0 simulation software that runs on top of Matlab R14. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm in enabling UAVs to maintain their formation in specified linear and curvilinear trajectories.
Optimizing Data Link Performance for the Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial System Mission
Mr. Michael Kulinski, Enerdyne/ViaSat, USA
Small Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems (STUAS) are becoming an essential element in the cost effective collection of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data. As the mission requirements for the STUAS platform increase, the data link becomes the limiting factor for critical operations success. The STUAS is being required to provide persistent ISR support for tactical level decision and unit level defense as well as protection for shipborne and land based forces. The STUAS is capable of supporting a wide range of sensors to include EO, IR, SAR, and CBRNE. The STUAS mission mandates that data link performance must be optimized for range, bandwidth utilization, interoperability, payload, security, and networking. This presentation will discuss state-of-the-art digital techniques to product improve existing analog data links to provide for increased security, range, and flexibility. A next generation software defined ISR data link platform design will also be presented.
The state-of-the-art in systems engineering for unmanned air vehicles
Mr. Pino Castellino, Alenia Aeronautica, ITALY
The paper study shows the status of systems engineering technology for unmanned air vehicles, and proposes equipment technology solution for systems integration. The applications presented will cover the following systems: The electrical power generation system The actuation system
The thermal management system The design of the vehicle systems is performed with the aim to meet the general requirement of low Life Cycle Cost (LCC) by using an integrated vehicle system technologies. There is a continuing effort in the aeronautical society to minimize the vehicle operating service costs and weight, by improving equipment performance and maintenance checks. The equipment technology improvements and an integrated systems design process can minimize the overhaul weight and cost of an aircraft, since the systems, excluding engine, cope about the 30% of the vehicle clean weight. One of the driver concept for selection of system technologies is to have only one energy power source, to avoid the use of different type of vehicle ground support equipment during the maintenance operations.
MQ-8B Fire Scout: A Program Overview, Update on Recent Flight Test Activity and Future Program Plans
Mr. John Paterson, Northrop Grumman Corporation, USA
Provide an overview of the MQ-8B Fire Scout system which will include a short history, system description, present flight-testing and spiral development growth potential and address flight test activity that has taken place since the first MQ-8B flight in Dec, 2006. The principal points to be addressed include autonomous mission execution, weaponization alternatives, and rapid retasking missions. Fire Scout’s proven success record with emphasis on completed flight operations as well as contributions to both the Navy and Army forces of the future will be stressed. Spiral development of the MQ-8B will be assessed to conclude the presentation.
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