Wednesday, September 26, 2018
Comprehensive UAS Program Development towards Integrated Manned Unmanned Deployment
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Paint Ball Field Network coverage UAS Consultant Options
Paintball Field Network: Provided by UAS
Not all platforms are created equal, the following report outlines three different possible platforms that would accomplish the goal of providing a wireless network to an otherwise unobtainable location. With the use of a network extender/repeater, a network could be established over any desired location. Using a drone is the preferred method, as opposed to a fixed tower, due to the need for flexibility of location, repurposing of the drone, i.e. used for picture/video collection for resale to the clients, and by causing an attraction for the business over the competitors. For this task, a fixed wing, a multi-rotor and an aerostat were compared.
These differences were made based on usability of the airframe, cost of the airframe, and the ability to carry the desired payload. The three options listed in this report were based primarily on cost and ease of use. The following chart provides a side by side comparison of all three selected airframes. All airframes have the ability to accomplish the task of providing an aerial network by carrying a repeater/extender payload. This could be accomplished by transmitting a signal that originates from a base station, sending that signal up to the drone that would then amplify the signal to receivers on the ground. The use of a drone in this manner would increase connectivity by minimizing line of sight issues that are present in a heavily wooded and isolated environment. Additional platforms should be considered as more aerial repeaters would overlap coverage to further increase coverage.
Airframes
Flexibility of payloads were a major determining factor, as the need for upgraded technology is high. The fixed wing and quadcopter have the most flexibility to interchange payloads as the aerostat does not have the same level of mass production to support a user-based market. Three network extenders options are depicted in the chart below, all require the same amount of power to operate and are differentiated primarily by cost and durability. For any platform selected, some support will be needed to modify the drone to carry the particular payload as they are not originally intended for use with drones. Furthermore, it is understood that a primary network will have to be established on the ground to transmit the network signal up to the drone. The primary concern would then be the drone would need to be positioned where it could receive the signal and provided the greatest coverage to the target area.
Payload Options
UAS Platform Choices
Platform Choice 1:
Tethered Mulit-Rotar
The first platform chosen for this project is the DJI Inspire 2 series. For this project, a tether will be used to increase duration and performance of the Inspire. This multirotor drone can fly indefinitely with the tether system the DJI has produced, which is perfect for this mission. It is in the middle-class range of prices which is around $9,999 dollars including the tether system and generator.
The DJI Inspire 2 is compatible with many different sensors and cameras. It has upward facing infrared sensors that are used for overhead obstacle avoidance. It has a 2-axis FPV camera for accurate manual flight, and autopilot monitoring. Using a CineCore2.1 image processor, the DJI Inspire can record video at up to 6k with a Zenmuse X7 camera. The DJI Inspire 2 also has other vision sensing technology and uses collision avoidance software to insure safe flight. This drone uses a specific software for autonomous flight called DJI GS PRO. This app is specific for DJI and has most capabilities that other panning software has.
The DJI Inspire 2 has a range of 200 feet while tethered which is more than enough for the mission it will be used for. The tether system the DJI is attached to generates power to the drone, giving the drone an unlimited flight time. The drone can go from 0 to 50 miles per hour in a mere 5 seconds, with a max speed of 58 miles per hour. The payload capacity for this drone is 1.79 pounds. The DJI Inspire 2 is wind resistant up to 10 m/s.
The DJI Inspire 2 was chosen for the first platform for this lab because it fits perfectly to the mission. Because it can be in use all day without having to change batteries or wait to charge, it is convenient and officiant. This is the drone favored over both other platforms because it is most efficient, for the cost. It is easy to use with compatibility to multiple payloads and a strong mission planning software.
Platform Option 2:
Aerostat System
An aerostat system was chosen for the second choice in this report. Aerostat systems typically provide a lower cost of use per flight hour when compared to fixed wing systems for similar applications. However, the initial startup cost is significant. The range of price from manufacture to manufacturer varies. In comparison, the cost of the Skystar 180 is priced fair within the market.
The major benefit with this type of system, is the near continuous coverage. Depending on weather, this system can remain airborne for 3 days at a time before scheduled maintenance occurs. Maintenance turnaround can be achieved in about 20 minutes. Weather limits are far better than compared to the other platforms, as this system can withstand 40 knot winds and can continually collect data or provide network coverage in almost all-weather conditions, other than wind limits.
With a payload capacity of almost 40 lbs, it is more than enough to handle the capacity of what is needed for the network. They payload capacity would accommodate the network relay, as well as a video sensor to provide both the network and the required network coverage. Having multiple payloads could reduce the cost by provided additional services simultaneously.
The company that produces the Skystar, also produces what they care a “user-friendly software package”. The application of this system is primary for military/ police operations. Which does nothing but speak on the durability and usability of the system.
Platform Option 3:
Fixed Wing UAS
The third option comes in the form of a fixed wing drone. The lower cost of $436 makes this the best option for a budget-based approach. Other features to consider are the higher payload lifting capacity compared to the other previously mentioned options as well as within the price range of other fixed wing options.
This specific drone has the longest flight time duration in its class. Although options 1 and 2 do not have durations at all, they are also a lot more expensive. Another thing that makes the Trinity best for its class is the fact that it has vertical takeoff and landing. This is huge for a fixed wing, decreasing the risk of any damage to the drone as well as increasing the area that this drone can take off in. For our example we can assume it will be taking off in a wooded area, so other fix wing aircrafts wouldn’t work unless they also had vertical takeoff and landing. Having a 7.48 Feet wingspan, the glide ration for the Trinity is one of the largest in its class at 14:1. This helps give the Trinity a longer duration of flight time which is up to 1.5 hours.
The fully autonomous drone comes with easy to use software called Qbase, which is used for setting up autopilot missions. The range for these missions, and manual flight is up to 1.24 miles which would be plenty of coverage for the example we are using. The payload for the Trinity is fully customizable, with a carry capacity of up to 4.4 lbs. It has compatible interchangeable plug in play with the red edge camera, along with compatibility with the UMC-R10C camera. The Trinity is wind resistant to up to 13 MPH which is average for fixed wings. For its low cost and high flight duration,
The Trinity is the best drone in its class. If budget is the primary concern, or funds are not available for option one or two in this report, then this fixed wing platform is the best option out of all fix wings or quad copters available in the Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) market and other quadcopters as well. The vertical takeoff and landing feature of the Trinity makes it superior to other drones of its class and would fit perfectly for the desired application. This platform does not need an airfield for takeoff or recovery, can last for an entire duration of a match, and can carry both the desired payload and a camera.
References
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Inspire Two, Tethered. (2018) Web. Retrieved from https://www.dronenerds.com/products/drones/professional-drones/inspire-2/parts-accessories/fuse-tether-kit-for-unlimited-flight-time-for-dji-inspire-2-series-fusetetherinspire2-dronenerds.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o2&scid=scplpFUSETETHERINSPIRE2&sc_intid=FUSETETHERINSPIRE2&gclid=CjwKCAjwoMPcBRAWEiwAiAqZh6Q-Ise4V3GO0v_XRPzvGwMGPQdkge4vjiypV-sOQWyHimWnVUIImxoCCZcQAvD_BwE
NetGear N300. (2018). Web. Retrieved from https://www.walmart.com/ip/NETGEAR-N300-WiFi-Range-Extender-Wall-Plug-EX2700/40099975?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227029488055&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=62898910929&wl4=aud-273067695102:pla-64746551287&wl5=9016722&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=40099975&wl13=&veh=sem
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