RPAsatcoms = Lightweight, affordable, satellite communications for use on small Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Lead Participant:
BARNARD MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED
Abstract
We are developing small (4 m wingspan) Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for use throughout
the world in scientific, commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state
(border patrol) applications. Many of these applications require the operation of the RPA
Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) in areas with little, or no, telecommunications infrastructure.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation, known as ICAO, is drawing up regulations
governing the operation of RPA and has coined the phrase "Remotely Piloted Aircraft
System" to emphasise the human responsibility for the RPA at all times. To enable RPA to fly
BLOS in a remote area requires the use of satellite communications (satcoms).
The use of satcoms on a RPA has also been a requirement of our potential customers,
including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (the largest geophysical survey
companies in the world) and oil, gas and mining exploration and production companies.
The serious shortcomings we have identified using the lightest airborne satellite data terminal
known to us is the heavy weight (3.8 kg), the high cost (around $50,000) and the necessary
use of an omnidirectional antenna, that introduces electronic interference in nearby antennas
mounted on the RPA. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the
financial and technical feasibility of developing a lighter and more affordable solution, based
on the use of a terrestrial satellite data terminal mounted on a computer controlled gimbal, to
ensure the satcoms terminal antenna, with a 14° beam width, always points towards the
geostationary satellite.
Our aim, should the market analysis be positive, would be to develop
this enabling technology for autonomous systems operating BLOS, to support bidirectional
data communications between the RPA and the Ground Control Station (GCS).
Another benefit will be environmental, since RPA use less fuel than their manned
counterparts per kilometre travelled.
the world in scientific, commercial (oil, gas and mineral exploration and production) and state
(border patrol) applications. Many of these applications require the operation of the RPA
Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) in areas with little, or no, telecommunications infrastructure.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation, known as ICAO, is drawing up regulations
governing the operation of RPA and has coined the phrase "Remotely Piloted Aircraft
System" to emphasise the human responsibility for the RPA at all times. To enable RPA to fly
BLOS in a remote area requires the use of satellite communications (satcoms).
The use of satcoms on a RPA has also been a requirement of our potential customers,
including Fugro Airborne Surveys and Sander Geophysics (the largest geophysical survey
companies in the world) and oil, gas and mining exploration and production companies.
The serious shortcomings we have identified using the lightest airborne satellite data terminal
known to us is the heavy weight (3.8 kg), the high cost (around $50,000) and the necessary
use of an omnidirectional antenna, that introduces electronic interference in nearby antennas
mounted on the RPA. We propose to investigate the nature of the global market and the
financial and technical feasibility of developing a lighter and more affordable solution, based
on the use of a terrestrial satellite data terminal mounted on a computer controlled gimbal, to
ensure the satcoms terminal antenna, with a 14° beam width, always points towards the
geostationary satellite.
Our aim, should the market analysis be positive, would be to develop
this enabling technology for autonomous systems operating BLOS, to support bidirectional
data communications between the RPA and the Ground Control Station (GCS).
Another benefit will be environmental, since RPA use less fuel than their manned
counterparts per kilometre travelled.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| BARNARD MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED | £40,000 | £ 24,000 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Joseph Barnard (Project Manager) |