Research Paper on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Platforms

2021-07-01
6 pages
1538 words
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Wesleyan University
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Research paper
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Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are systems with human-operated control systems, which are usually done from the ground. The systems can also be controlled from a ship or airborne platform. The UAS is composed of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and a Command and Control (C2) System (Colomina & Molina, 2014). The C2 system is also referred to as communication, command, and control (C3) system. Various types of UAS platforms are used in security surveillance, emergency response, photography and cartographic survey, and atmospheric research, among other uses. The different UAS platforms include Fixed-wing, Multi-rotor, Rotorcraft, Hybrid platforms, Predator B, and FireScout. This paper will explore the similarities and differences between fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms.

Fixed-wing and Multi-rotor Platforms

Type of Systems

The fixed-wing system is an aircraft that uses fixed wings and forward airspeed to generate lift. Fixed-wing drones are the standard traditional airplanes (Vergouw et al., 2016). On the other hand, Multi-rotor systems are rotorcraft subsets. As such, they use rotary wings in generating lift. Phantom drone is the most popular example of a multi-rotor platform. The two UAS platforms (Fixed-wing and Multi-rotor) are suitable for different functions. Though they are used for similar purposes, they have specifications that make them very distinct from each other in regards to their specializations (Vergouw et al., 2016). On similarity, they are both used for a wide range of applications. Also, both drones have characteristics such as the technology used to fly them, their shape and appearance, the size, weight, and the level of autonomy which one can use to identify them. The UAS systems also have the energy source that is a significant characteristic because it could bring out both their similarities and differences (Vergouw et al., 2016).

Structure

The structure is the main physical feature that differentiates a fixed wing aircraft and a multi-rotor. The structure for fixed wing is comparatively simpler and has more efficient aerodynamics, which enables the drone to take longer flight duration. Fixed-wing UAS has a rigid wing with a predetermined airfoil. However, both wings keep them afloat, and they do not need massive propulsive thrust to provide aerodynamic lift. The simplicity in the structure is also responsible for its higher speed. Notably, the simple structure of a fixed-wing UAS allows for a less complicated maintenance and repair process hence allowing the user to operate it at a lower cost compared to other sophisticated UAS (Tahar & Ahmad, 2013). In contrast, multi-rotor drones have mechanical complexity in their structures because of the vertical rotor blades. Unlike a fixed-wing which has a simple structure, the mechanical and electronic complexity associated with multi-rotor UAS often creates complications during repair and maintenance (Tahar & Ahmad, 2013). According to Tahar and Ahmad (2013), those drones with more than two rotor blades are associated with lower speed and shorter flight ranges than the fixed wing UAV. The rotor wings are responsible for massive propulsive thrust, which keeps the UAS afloat during application.

Capability

One of the characteristics that users of UAS look for when finding a platform for a specific application is the capability. As Valavanis and Vachtsevanos (2014) indicate ,fixed-wing drones have the ability to cover a long distance, map a large area, and keep flying for a long time while monitoring the point of interest. This is attributed by the rigid wing that provides lift. They also use less energy in moving forward only, making them more efficient about energy saving compared to multi-rotor drones, which use a lot of energy to fight gravity and stay afloat .Unlike fixed-wing, which can loiter for up to 90 minutes making them suitable for conducting surveys over a large area, multi-rotor can only sustain 25-30 minutes hence surveys a small area. However, fixed-wing aircrafts have a disadvantage in its capability. Their inability to hover in a specific spot limits them from carrying out extensive aerial photography work. They are also not able to launch and land in the absence of a runway or catapult launcher. In contrast, multi-rotor drones have the capability to carry out smaller-area missions. Multi-rotor UAS have the agility and slow-speed capabilities, which enable them to hover in one place for long making them suitable for inspections (Tahar & Ahmad, 2013). An example of a multi-rotor designed for inspection is the senseFlys albris.

Noteworthy, one can also collect quality images used in both stockpile surveying and 3D imagery with a multi-rotor as opposed to using fixed-wing, which can only be used to collect images for stockpile surveying (Vergouw et al., 2016). The exceptional maneuvering capability of a multi-rotor is another exception that fixed-wing lacks. Particularly, it can fly on any axis up to its maximum speed as well as fly indoors. Although a fixed-wing has excellent speed, it cannot hover for a long time hence limited to certain areas. Furthermore, Fixed-wing platforms have the ability to carry greater payloads for longer distances while using less power compared to multi-rotor. When using a fixed-wing, one can carry up to 40 kg of sensor and twin sensor configuration. On the other hand, multi-rotors can only carry a still or a video camera when flying a weight that is usually less than 500 grams (Vergouw et al., 2016).

Support Equipment

It is a requirement for both fixed wing and multi-rotor UAVs to have support material, usually provided by the manufacturing company or other service providers. An example of a provider for the support equipment for both fixed wing and multi-rotor platforms is Ukrspecsystems. The company provides state-of-the-art equipment including gyro-stabilized gimbals and ground control solutions. USG-251 2-Axis Gyro-Stabilized Micro Gimbal is an example of the micro gimbal used by both fixed wing and multi-rotor drones. The equipment is suitable for both commercial and military drones. Specifically, it has a Full HD camera with 10x optical zoom and an anti-vibration damping mount that helps eliminate vibrations from the airframe hence enabling exceptional image quality (Gertler, 2012). As Gertler explains, the USG-251 micro gimbal weighs 350g, and it can be fixed in the drones due to its light weight. This is one of the equipment that the users of both fixed-wing and rotor drones can install in the UAS.

There is other supporting equipment that can only be used in a specific UAS. For instance, USG-212 Multi-Sensor Gyro-Stabilized Gimbal is support equipment used with fixed wing drones while USG-301 3-Axis Gyro-Stabilized Gimbal is used with multi-rotor drones. The USG-212 Gimbal is equipped with a Full HD 30x optical zoom block camera and a 40mm IR camera that are used to detect and track targets effectively (Gertler, 2012). It also has an integrated ant-vibration damping system that ensures high image quality (Gertler, 2012). One advantage of this support equipment is that it can be used in any weather. Like the USG-212 which is equipped with a Full HD 30X optical zoom block camera, the USG-301 that is used with multi-rotor drones also has a Sony 30x zoom HD camera. The camera provides high-level image stabilization and enhanced sensitivity. The equipment is exceptional because it can be adjusted to night mode to provide images similar to those that can be captured during the day (Gertler, 2012; Valavanis & Vachtsevanos, 2014).

Limitations

Nevertheless, the UAS platforms have various limitations. For the fixed wing UAV, its inability to hover limits it in other applications such as inspection. It is also costly and difficult to use compared to Multi-rotor, making it less preferred for commercial and industrial use. Another significant disadvantage of fixed wing is that its motion depends on air passing over the wing. Specifically, the drone must be in a constant forward motion for it to lift when launching. It also requires a runway for launching and landing. On the other hand, a major limitation of multi-rotor drone is the limited endurance and speed, limiting them to small areas (Valavanis & Vachtsevanos, 2014). It also has a limitation in the payload capacity because it carries less weight compared to the fixed wing. Moreover, due to their lower speed and shorter flight ranges compared to fixed wing, one will require additional flights to survey a large area hence making costly (Gertler, 2012).

Conclusion

Unmanned Aerial/Aircraft System (UAS) as a technology is being embraced for various reasons other than the security surveillance purposes. Today, UAS can be used privately for commercial and industrial applications such as survey and photography. The different types of UAS platforms are used with various users depending on their capability and easiness of use. Users also consider other factors when deciding on a particular platform. Such factors include endurance, take-off area, speed, maneuverability, payload, size, and price. Usually, these factors will also determine the purpose of the UAV. Evidently, the different types of UAS platforms have advantages and disadvantages.

References

Colomina, I., & Molina, P. (2014). Unmanned aerial systems for photogrammetry and remote sensing: A review. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 92, 79-97.

Gertler, J. (2012, January). US unmanned aerial systems. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE.

Tahar, K. N., & Ahmad, A. (2013). An evaluation on fixed wing and multi-rotor UAV images using photogrammetric image processing. Int. J. Comput. Electr. Autom. Control Inf. Eng, 7, 48-52.

Valavanis, K. P., & Vachtsevanos, G. J. (2014). Handbook of unmanned aerial vehicles. Springer Publishing Company, Incorporated.

Vergouw, B., Nagel, H., Bondt, G., & Custers, B. (2016). Drone Technology: Types, Payloads, Applications, Frequency Spectrum Issues and Future Developments. In The Future of Drone Use (pp. 21-45). TMC Asser Press.

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