Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
Optimization of the flight economy of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for mapping remote disaster and risk areas considering air traffic control aspects (GeoFlyer).
Motivation
RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) combined with miniaturized cameras and laser scanners enable very accurate three-dimensional imaging of the earth's surface and anthropogenic objects. They are cheaper compared to airborne platforms and are ideal for rapid damage documentation of disaster sites and monitoring of hazardous areas. However, disadvantages of electric-powered RPAS include limited flight time, which is highly dependent on payload and flight conditions, and lack of safety procedures for use in civil airspace.
Goals and approach
In the Geoflyer project, the flight characteristics of an electrically powered fixed-wing aircraft are being improved. Furthermore, rules for a safe operation of this novel sensor platform in civil airspace will be established as well as technical framework conditions for a certification of flights beyond visual range. The performance of the new RPAS and the installed sensors will be demonstrated in selected disaster and risk areas. For example, radioactive residues are to be detected in a decommissioned nuclear power plant, damage in a wind break is to be determined, and earth movements in a potential landslide area are to be checked.
Innovations and prospects
The developed fixed-wing aircraft consumes less energy, flies longer, can be used safely beyond visual range, and exhibits flight behavior that eliminates the risk of damage to third parties. In combination with cameras and a laser scanner, very precise three-dimensional geo-information can be captured in safety-relevant areas. In conjunction with an existing patent, vegetation structures can be mapped more reliably in three dimensions in the future. The flight performance optimized RPAS for safe flights beyond visual range as well as the software solutions for vegetation mapping can be offered as licenses to the project partners and other end users. The research focus CORSNAV www.hm.edu/corsnav of the Munich University of Applied Sciences extends its international methodological competence in the field of civil aviation and involves students in application-oriented research.
Project volume:
846,600 € (thereof 93% funding share by BMBF).
Funding code:
03FH004IX6
Project duration:
02.03.2017 - 28.02.2021
Project partner:
- Quantum Systems
- Pleiades Independent Experts
- DIALOGIS
- Bavarian Forest National Park
