Dag Henning Paulsen is one of the founders of Prox Dynamics and is currently in charge of the company’s customer projects.
Dag Henning was born in 1961 and grew up close to Oslo in Norway, is married and the father of four children. His background is from the Norwegian Air Force where he served as an F-16 pilot for more than ten years. He held several positions during his service, and was involved in the development of an advanced weapon system for the F-16 in addition to a number of other projects. He attended the Air Force Staff School in 1993, and served three years at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment as a military advisor.
He joined the Scandinavian Airlines in 1996 and has been copiloting the MD-80, the Boeing B-767 and the Boeing B-737 which he is currently flying part time. Prior to joining Prox Dynamics his work in SAS includes duties as simulator Instructor, Chief Pilot and Chief of Staff to the COO in SAS Norway
ABSTRACT
Nano systems are about to become a new reality. These extremely small and light systems create a new area within the RPAS market, and will challenge the way air operations are regu- lated. Prox Dynamics is now fielding the PD-100 Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System as the world’s first operational Nano system. The presentation discusses the company’s views on the technological challenges of Nano systems, their market potential and what it considers is key to realizing this potential.
The main challenges were how to meet the tight weight and size requirements, and being able to implement an autopilot that provided the required level of autonomy and simplicity to the user. The result is a complete stand-alone Nano system comprising two 16 gram helicopters which provides motion imagery and still images from deployed ranges of up to 1 km. The most obvious benefit of a Nano system is their extremely small size and low weight. This provides a system which is easy to deploy, and which offers an operational flexibility not found in larger systems.
Prox Dynamics believes this is an attractive proposition to both military and civilian customers. Safety analyses shows that aircraft weighing less than 50-60 grams achieve the required level of safety simply due to its very low kinetic energy. Some military aviation authorities have therefore decided to exempt Nano systems from all safety related regulations, allowing rapid introduction of Nano systems without sacrificing safety. This sets an example to the national CAA’s that will contribute to the growth and success of this new market area.