UAV Navigation, Sky Power collaborate to design flight control technologies for UAS

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UAV Navigation and Sky Power have worked together to design flight control technologies.

The companies recently came together and agreed to equip UAV Navigation’s Flight Control technologies with Sky Power’s Engine, which led to UAV Navigation’s flight control system being able to seamlessly integrate with Sky Power’s 2-stroke and Wankel engines. Thanks to this seamless integration, it is “extremely easy and convenient” to use these two systems together in one UAS platform, the companies say.

The seamless integration described by the companies was made possible by the integration of the Engine Control Units (ECU030 and ECU080), to ultimately enable robust communication with the VECTOR autopilot, for the delivery of critical parameters, through the CAN port.

Sky Power’s ECU030 is a complete engine management system for 2-stroke engines, while the company's ECU080 is for Wankel engine applications. The universally applicable electronic fuel injection systems can be used for petrol blends, as well as for Heavy Fuel (HF) applications.

The ECU controller adapts the fuel blend to the actual air pressure and the external temperature, which helps to reduce fuel consumption. Four ignition channels with two separate adjustable spark plugs ignite the fuel blend. The fuel pump pressure is electronically regulated, and an automatic choke function is also built in.

A PC can monitor all engine data. According to the companies, the user interface is so intuitive that all settings and the maintenance of the engine can be easily carried out. This integration utilizes the various options provided by the VECTOR autopilot and its wide range of capabilities at the center of the fundamental tasks, which allows the autopilot and, by extension, the operator, to control and monitor the engine. 

The state of the propulsion system is monitored in real-time by Visionair, which is UAV Navigation’s ground control station (GCS) software. An all-in-one GCS software for configuring, planning and executing UAV missions, Visionair also helps run the engine with the best setting. Using this software, operators can configure the peripherals installed in the VECTOR autopilot.

This integration, combined with the Visionair Configuration Tools, gives the final user the ability to configure an engine from Sky Power, and allows the autopilot to manage it. Visionair also allows for the most demanding missions—including special maneuvers such us automatic sea skimming or autorotation—to be planned and executed, and for the display and analysis in real time of all relevant information from both the control system, the motor or the payloads.

UAV Navigation designed the flight control system, and its advanced logics ensures optimum energy control, which maximizes range and reduces the acoustic footprint. This is a critical point for ISTAR missions in which it is desired to remain the largest time in the air without being detected.

The companies note that the initiative has made Sky Power’s engines compatible with UAV Navigation’s flight control system.