Servo - January 2012

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the user has to do is launch the UAV, fly up to the necessary altitude, and press go. The Scout then takes the images automatically,” explained an Aeryon spokesperson. The flight planning is built into the Scout system and it generates the plan through the touchscreen interface by simply generating waypoints on the map and then saving a file with those in it for later use.

The touchscreen uses satellite map based navigation, meaning that satellite maps of the area are loaded onto the tablet, and the user navigates the Scout and camera based on these. This enables the Scout to achieve an exact location. “The maps are also used to establish the preprogrammed flight paths,” according to a spokesperson.

The operator manipulates the touchscreen using a stylus pen. “A click on the map moves the aircraft at predefined maximum speeds towards that point on the map. Lifting the stylus stops the motion of the craft,” says Walker. If the operator first selects a button to point the camera, the next stylus depression on the screen’s map moves the camera’s center of view to that location, leaving the aircraft at the original location, Walker explains.

Other options including zoom, takeoff, and come home are easily identified with the stylus pen. “Only when trying to enter numbers or letters is the stylus interface frustrating,” says Walker. “Fortunately, that use of the stylus is quite infrequent.”

Flight Limitations, Communications

The Scout is designed to operate within the airspace, speed, and altitude restrictions of the given airspace that it is operating in at any given time. These features are integrated into the Scout UAV. This includes an altitude of 500 M, a speed of 21. 7 MPH, and airspace restrictions that are determined from country to country. “The operator sets the requirements they need to meet in their airspace. The system uses this data to avoid exceeding airspace area limitations,” comments an Aeryon spokesperson. It cannot go beyond these settings. “For example, in Canada the Scout is restricted to airspace under 400 feet. All systems are automatically set to a maximum height of 400 feet. The vehicle will stop at 400 feet even if the operator tries to fly higher.” The Scout comes with its own digital communications network called ScoutNet. Commands and video traverse this network in streams. With the given network design, the operators can stream video to more than one location for viewing purposes. “The network can also be encrypted, ensuring that even if an outside source knew the network address, the information could not be used by an unauthorized party.” Other advantages include multiple user scenarios where operators in a common area can operate the Scout without having to worry about interfacing with each other’s controls and data.

“We can monitor the Scout from multiple control stations, and there is a WiFi link from the ground station to

The Scout UAV flying low along a beautiful, scenic stretch of the Alaskan coast line.

The Scout climbs high above water craft.

any device we want. However, as more systems are linked into the aircraft — such as a second tablet for monitoring the imagery — the network bandwidth gets slower and that is bothersome,” says Walker.

The Scout system complies with STANAG 4586 which is a NATO agreement that defines standard communications protocols, data elements, and message formats for Unmanned Systems. This standard

In one unique feature, Aeryon has made the Scout weatherproof through sealed seams that prevent moisture and dirt from getting into the robot’s system. “While the motors are exposed on the arms,” comments an Aeryon spokesperson, “ they are designed to meet the same requirements of preventing soil or moisture from entering in.” The Scout’s payloads are also sealed for weatherproofing.