When Prox Dynamics, Norway started the development of the PD-100 Black Hornet helicopter it performed a series of trade studies on different aircraft configurations: traditional single main/tail rotor (as the PD-100), coaxial rotors (such as the ProxFlyer), and quadrotors (commonly used in micro VTOL aircraft).
The results were measured against requirements such as flight duration, maximum speed, gust handling and complexity. The original results were very conclusive and favored a traditional single rotor helicopter. The challenges of controlling helicopters of this type are vast, but Pro Dynamics believed, and proved, it was possible to develop the autopilot needed and thereby being able to offer the best solution to the customers.
Since then, most other companies that are trying to develop Nano RPAS have elected to pursue a quadrotor solution – probably because they are slightly easier to build, involve less mechanics and are easier to control.
This summer Prox Dynamics decided to design and build a quadrotor with the same weight (16 grams), systems and radio link as its PD-100 Black Hornet RPA to test and verify that their initial performance data and simulations were correct.
The quadrotor helicopter has now gone through both indoor flight duration and flight dynamics testing, as well as outdoor testing (GPS controlled) in wind and gusty conditions. It is interesting to note that the results from the flight testing very well match the company’s predictions. Performance typically seems to be between 60% and 80% of the PD-100 Black Hornet (e.g. maximum flight time and airspeed). At the same time the quadrotor is less covert (visual and sound), and takes up almost 3 times as much space when not in use.
The image shows the Prox Dynamics Quadrotor in front of a DJI F450, produced by DJI, China. The DJI F450 is one of the smallest commercially available quadrotors having an onboard autopilot and camera, and is commonly used by hobbyists around the world. The DJI F450 is 100 times heavier than the PD Quad-rotor.
The current version of the PD-100 Black Hornet is carrying daylight cameras to capture live video and still images. The extreme weight requirements of a nano RPAS limits the selection of possible off-the-shelf imaging systems. Prox Dynamics is well aware of customer requirements for other types of sensors, and they have been pursuing, for several years, different technologies that can be fit to their nano RPAS.
Thanks to their research, a few technologies have been identified as promising, and the company recently secured funding to look more closely into the most promising candidates. The relevant work will be undertaken in cooperation with two other Norwegian companies, and the initial results are expected by the end of this year. If these studies prove successful, it will still be a few years before these sensors are made available for serial production.
Prox Dynamics is expanding its productions capabilities in order to meet increased sales. Final assembly of its nano RPAS is taking place at Prox Dynamic’s premises. However, assembly of the ground elements is being completed by its principal supplier Hapro AS, Norway. Hapro AS is one of the leading contract manufacturers of professional electronics in Norway, and is scheduled to assume responsibility for all production of the PD-100 Black Hornet.
Prox Dynamics has recently joined the Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Association (FSi). FSi’s mission is to foster framework conditions for member companies to succeed in the domestic and global defence and security markets. The association comprises more than 100 companies from all parts of Norway.
Prox Dynamics’ VP Sales & Marketing, Ole Aguirre, states that this is an important step in the further development of the company, as it will provide a broader network towards potential customers, decision makers and industrial partners.
The annual UAS Nordic Conference 2012 will take place in Oslo on November 13th. UNC-12 is hosted by UAS Norway, a Norwegian national association, and it is the largest RPAS conference in the European Nordic region. The event will gather representatives from industry, operators, regulators and service providers. Prox Dynamics will be giving a presentation at this conference, and will also be exhibiting the PD-100 Black Hornet PRS at the show. Please check UAS Norway website at www.uasnorway.org for further information and registration.