text
stringlengths 5
149
|
|---|
the first BVLOS application test was successfully
|
completed for inspecting power lines, by Delair -Tech who
|
flew a UAV for over 30 miles using a 3G wireless network
|
to guide the drone (Fig. 5). The company were granted a
|
specific flight corridor in which conducted the test flight.
|
Although the flight was conduct via autopilot, two pilots
|
were present at the start and two pilots were present at thelanding site. Using the 3G network allowed for real -time
|
communication from any distance as long as there was 3G
|
coverage [29].
|
2017 saw Israel step up its involvement in the BVLOS
|
UAS sector and has recently granted full permission for
|
BVLOS flights. The award was given by the Civil Aviation
|
Authority of Israel (CAAI), to Airobotics who have
|
developed a UAV that can achieve and execute missions
|
safely without the aid of a pilot (Fig. 6). On -board is
|
Airobotics own computer software which also incorporates
|
Artificial Intelligence (AI) which is programmed to make
|
decisions and execute actions that are usually performed by
|
a human pilot [30]. The BVLOS platform is based on three
|
parts. The first component was the UAV, named
|
“Optimus”, which is a drone that is capable of flying thirty -
|
minute missions whilst being equipped with a one -kilogram
|
payload. The second component is a completely unmanned,
|
automated airbase from which the UAV can be launchedfrom and also lands on. The third and final piece and the
|
most important is the software and the AI software, which
|
enables operators to use the software easily and manage
|
missions just with one click [31].
|
This may sound as though the problem that was once
|
facing the drone industry has been solved, however the use
|
of AI itself presents problems of its own. AI itself is a
|
controversial topic for both industry and politics. Keeping
|
AI, or narrow AI, which is purely focused on autonomous
|
drone navigation, at a level that is beneficial for the good of
|
mankind is hotly debated and motivates many research
|
areas although flight safety is always the key element to be considered. The goal for most research is to create general
|
AI that far outgrows the relative conformity if narrow AI
|
[31]. Currently the AI that we are living with are neural
|
networks and machine learning algorithms that are used in
|
everyday common devices [31]. A main concern is for ourown preservation as it is feared that AI could at some point
|
become intelligent enough to replace humans and become
|
part of a technological singularity. Indeed this is a situation
|
some may even welcome as they see AI as a panacea for
|
civilisation [32] even though AI might outperform humans
|
at every cognitive task and risks rendering us obsolete [31].
|
AI will undoubtedly have a major impact on people’s lives,
|
but the benefits are undeniable.
|
VI. UAS S ENSOR FUSION
|
Sensory communication with any UAS is paramount to
|
operating beyond the pilots’ field of vision. A study into
|
potential sensory appliances has been presented by Zhahir
|
et al. [34] and looked at the current development of UAV
|
sense and avoid systems. One possible theory presented as
|
a possible way to achieve safe BVLOS applications, was to
|
equip an UAV with electro -optical sensors combined with
|
radar and infrared sensory capabilities. However, badweather or overcast and cloudy conditions could affect the
|
performance at object and hazard identification as the
|
sensors rely on good light to be able to work at full
|
capacity. Another possibility discussed was ‘sensor fusion’,
|
enabling multiple sensory tasks on a UAV platform to be
|
performed simultaneously to enhance hazard detection and
|
minimise flight risks. Ramasamy et al. [35] details a
|
successful test using sensor fusion. The research
|
successfully produced a simulated study of sensor fusion
|
which combines natural inspired sensors and non -
|
cooperative sensors. The algorithm that was used by the
|
researchers to achieve this is known as track to track fusion
|
and is based on Boolean decision logic data structure that
|
can evaluate and solve issues such as limited information of
|
the environment or partial loss of transmitted information.
|
The UAV platform is essential for military applications
|
and its role in conflict and congested zones cannot beunderestimated. Small unmanned aircraft embark upon
|
intelligence gathering missions via reconnaissance and
|
surveillance and BVLOS is an essential component. One
|
example of the most state of the Art recognisance UAV that
|
has been developed for BVLOS missions is the military’s
|
Black Hornet Nano [36] (Fig. 7).
|
Fig. 5. Delair Tech BVLOS for power line inspection applications [29].
|
Fig. 6. Airobotics autonomous BVLOS system [33].This small, compact UAV is fitted with multi -sensory
|
capability and has an integrated video stream data ink
|
where images can be viewed in real time. Part of the UAS
|
ability to perform BVLOS missions is that has the capacity
|
to be programmed with a pre -planned route using GPS and
|
can also be used in FPV with a maximum range of 1.5km
|
distance between the operator and the UAV [36]. In
|
comparison larger military UAS rely on satellite
|
communication to operate rather than a direct flowing radio
|
link. The military have further developed a system that can
|
detect other aircraft so that they may be targeted by air to
|
air missiles. The system known as Active Electronically
|
Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which is also known as an
|
active phase array radar, which operates by emitting a pulse
|
signal from a transmitter that in turn is received by an
|
onboard antenna that receives amplified echoes of any
|
objects in the vicinity.
|
Texas Instruments, in 2016 discussed the benefits ofdeveloping a low latency design for video enabled drones
|
[37]. One of the main features that a piloted UAV requires
|
would be an onboard camera as well as a range of other
|
SAA instruments. The needs of the camera are directly
|
linked to the needs of the UAV. A low power consumption
|
rate is necessary so that it does not impact on the UAV’s
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.