UAVOS and Stratodynamics Aviation finalizing balloon-launched unmanned glider

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UAVOS Inc., along with Stratodynamics Aviation Inc., is finalizing manufacturing of HiDRON, a stratospheric aircraft that is built to provide a “new dynamic method for measuring and evaluating atmospheric phenomena at various altitudes in a variety of geographical locations.”

Designed to collect high-altitude atmospheric data, the balloon-launched unmanned glider is capable of autonomous and soaring flight modes.

During a campaign next month, the HiDRON will reach altitudes up to 82,000 feet, the companies say.

With a wingspan of 3.5 meters, and capable of carrying a payload of up to 1.5 kilograms, the HiDRON is launched to the stratosphere via a helium-filled balloon. Once launched, data is transmitted in real-time to a ground station using the autopilot and integrated atmospheric measurement system.

Once the aircraft reaches the desired altitude—or as directed by an operator on the ground— the HiDRON is released from the balloon and glides back to a pre-specified landing site.

In-situ data such as thermal or wave conditions is processed using unique autopilot flight algorithms, which ultimately increases flight duration or direct the flight path to specific areas.

“The HiDRON provides a new dynamic platform for upper air observations and in-situ sampling at a fraction of the cost of typical high-altitude platforms,” says Gary Pundsack, CEO Stratodynamics Aviation Inc.

“We look forward to further developing the aircraft and avionics to harness naturally occurring phenomena that create lift and extend flight duration, reduce costs, power requirements, and weight.”

With landing of the HiDRON being fully automatic, the autopilot selects one of the pre-specified landing sites. The telemetry system and backup satellite link maintain HiDRON communication to the ground station. Additionally, emergency flight modes ensure flight safety.

UAVOS says that currently, atmospheric measurement equipment is also lifted to high altitudes by balloons, but once the balloon bursts the equipment descends quickly by parachute and drifts uncontrolled.

Equipment is often lost or damaged and has high retrieval costs, but the HiDRON extends the data collection period on the descent and brings the equipment back.

“The essence of this project is to develop a fully controlled process - from the moment of take-off, execution of the mission, and the landing of a reusable atmospheric sensor system,” explains Vadim Tarasov, UAVOS investor and Board member.

“The HiDRON will be able to perform longer missions with a wide range of research tasks without the risk of losing expensive equipment.”