A key ARCAA research capability are its fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). ARCAA has been developing and operating fixed wing UAS for research purposes since 2001.
The focus of ARCAA UAS research has been on the development of onboard avionics and autonomous payloads as opposed to the aerodynamic design of the platform. ARCAA operates a number of different UAS platforms capable of supporting a wide range of experimental requirements (i.e., the scope of operations and the power, weight and volume of the experimental payload to be flown). Platform types currently operated by ARCAA include:
The ARCAA Flamingo
The Flamingo is a small fixed-wing UAS. The Flamingo has a wingspan of ~4m and maximum takeoff weight of 20kg. Fully loaded, the Flamingo has an endurance of ~60 mins.
The platform has accummulated over 60 hours of fully autonomous flight in support of a number of ARCAA research programs. The Flamingo is the primary UAS flight test platform for the Smart Skies Project.
The airframe was manufactured by Silvertone Electronics, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The ARCAA CyberEye II
The ARCAA CyberEye II airframe was manufactured by Cyber Technology, in Perth, Western Australia. The platform has a maximum takeoff weight of 80kg, wingspan of 4.5m and is capable of carrying up to 20kg of payload.
The ARCAA CyberEye II is currently undergoing fitment of avionics and is expected to be the primary UAS flight test platform in 2011.
ARCAA also operates a number of UAS which utilise small ARF RC model aircraft airframes.
UAS Avionics and Ground Control System
A platform-independent UAS avionics and ground control station architecture has been developed and implemented across the different airframe types. Generic onboard systems include:
- MicroPilot 2128 Autopilot;
- Custom flight computer;
- Camera with synchronised attitude data collection system;
- Cellular High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA) modems;
- UHF (900MHz) line of sight modem; and
- Iridium satellite communications.
ARCAA UAS Operations
ARCAA has an area approval for the operation of UAS from a private airstrip in the vicinity of Kingaroy, Queensland, Australia. The CASA area approval allows the UAS to be operated in an area of 2nm radius and up to an altitude of 1,500ft AGL.
The operational team (pictured below) have gained significant experience in the operation of UAS, supporting the safe and efficient flight testing of ARCAA fixed-wing UAS for over two years.
