A very simplistic description of a drone or an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is that it is like a flying computer that has a camera and sensor attached for effective delivery of the task at hand. The drone’s firmware software sends commands to the physical components in the unmanned aircraft or remote controller, which triggers operations.
Operating Systems in Drone Technology in most unmanned aircraft use Linux and a few opt for Microsoft Windows. Like computer software, drones too go through firmware upgrades to fix bugs and add new features to the flying machine, its remote controller, and similar parts to help the UAV perform better.
Several key items complete a drone’s anatomy and these have to be working in unison to complete the job. While gyroscopes and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) abilities are responsible to make a drone fly and be controlled remotely, GPS and LiDAR technology, on the other hand, give the UAV directional abilities. Once airborne and operating, it goes about scanning its surroundings in a targeted manner, adjusting to changing terrain. Drones are controlled by remote ground control systems also referred to as ‘ground cockpit’. A drone comprises two parts – the drone itself and the control system. The sensors and navigational systems are located at the nose area of the UAV, while the drone technology lies in the rest of the vehicle.
Drones are a real boon whether in Military, Industrial, or Consumer use or if it is a hobby that one finds simple pleasure in maneuvering these aerial vehicles. Drone photo/videography has become a new and exciting way of capturing outdoor events. The interest in drone applications and technology can only increase from here on – a fertile ground for investors looking at this sector.
Digital MRO in aviation and aerospace industries has greatly been aided by the use of drones when inspecting aircraft exteriors for any damages and repair work that may need to be carried out.
Alongside this, the MRO services for drones and UAVs will naturally take off in tandem with the increase in drone operations. Keeping these flying machines in pristine condition is essential, given the nature of accuracy and safety required in their operations as also data gathering. To understand the nature of MRO services required for drones, one needs to take stock of all the moving parts that make the drone fly and perform.
Anatomy of a drone
Several parts make up a drone’s anatomy and all of these components need servicing and maintenance for optimal performance. What follows is an overview of the parts and their functions:
In the case of a quadcopter, here’s what needs maintenance and servicing:
- A quadcopter has ‘tractor propellors’ located in front that pull the UAV up in the air, while the ‘pusher propellors’ give a push forward. Propellers spin in opposite directions that result in a lift-off
- Motors (brushless motors) enhances and are essential for battery life for the drone to remain airborne for a longer period. The motor is mounted on a ‘motor mount’
- The landing gear in drones is fixed, with the high-end versions fitted with retractable ones. A 360 -degree view is achievable when airborne
- Booms are part of the main body and help to better overall maneuverability and boost stability. They are made hardy to withstand a crash
- The main body of the drone is the heart of the matter, which encases a battery, main boards, processors, avionics, cameras, and sensors.
- The Electronic Speed Controllers (ESC) is made up of an electronic circuit that is responsible for varying an electric motor speed
- The flight controller is at the core of the UAV and controls its entire functioning, regulating motor speed via ESC, controlling the steering, and triggering the camera attached to the drone
- GPS module is for GPS location tracking, one of the main functions of a drone, and an antenna helps the UAV to receive signals
- A gimbal is a pivoting mount, that stabilizes the control of cameras or sensors
There are various brands and models of drones that provide a variety of services and have several applications. Sensors mounted on board also come in several types with various functions.
Drone Maintenance and Repair
A drone kit like any operating machine requires regular maintenance and repair from wear and tear to be able to provide top-notch services (read accuracy while scanning), and importantly requires regular maintenance and servicing to maximize their safety and effectiveness.
As is with any moving vehicle, the first check is to look for exterior damage if any. If not, after running some basic tests, the drone can be regarded to be fit to fly and fully functional. Conducting a flight sequence, checking on motor movements, basically booting up a drone, as also as examining the firmware, sensors and camera – are all basic maintenance checks.
However, an unsatisfactory test flight indicates a problem with the drone – could be damage or an internal malfunction which then needs fixing.
With the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in 2015, authorizing regulators to permit drone operations the world over, MRO support and its quality of it would also go under checks by watchdogs. With thousands of drones in operation globally engaging in surveys, inspections, and surveillance, the safety aspect would be of paramount importance no doubt.
The basics of routine drone maintenance
Implementing a routine maintenance program on a per-flight basis, performing pre-flight and post-flight inspections, and making log entries of every detail and activity of drones, are routine functions. Maintenance starts with basics like chassis cleaning, cleaning of antenna, and motor chambers from debris, dust, and pollutants that gather while flying. Special care is required for an electronic item that houses circuit boards, sensors, and cameras.
Checking components, like motors, propellers, landing gear, and all the wiring and soldering that go with each check, necessary replacements at intervals- and as per the manufacturer’s manual. The camera and sensors need to be in mint condition as these perform key, crucial tasks.
TYPES OF DRONES
UAV drones come in a wide variety of sizes, with the largest being mostly used for military purposes such as the Predator drone. The next in size is unmanned aircraft, which have fixed wings and require short runways – used in an aerial survey of large swathes of land, infrastructure, and geographical surveys, as also to combat wildlife poaching, are some of its uses.
Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL), are multi-rotor drones and are named thus due to their ability to take off, fly, hover and land in a vertical position. Aerial photography/videography as also high-quality cinema can be shot using these drone models. The latest small UAV drones can be launched off the palm of one’s hand!
What started as a passion for hobbyists to pursue, has become an important tool and technology to apply for the ‘greater good’ of any community. Uses in everyday life in saving lives in search and rescue missions, apart from their usefulness mentioned above.
SOME SMART FEATURES
GNSS or Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are for drones to operate in both non-satellite and satellite modes for better connectivity. With a ‘Return to Home’ safety technology controlled through the ground controller, can be activated. A high level of accuracy is required for drone navigation when creating 3D maps, surveying landscapes and carrying out search and rescue missions.
Gyroscopes in Drones– essential for providing stability, maintaining direction and delivering a smooth flying experience.
UAV/Drone GNSS On Ground Station Remote Controller
The remote controller display shows the readiness of the drone to ‘take off’ and ‘return to home’ when such an input is given.
Realtime Telemetry Flight Parameters
Nearly all drones have a Ground Station Controller (GSC) or a smartphone app allowing the drone and to keep track of the current flight telemetry data like UAV range, height, speed, GNSS strength, remaining battery power and warnings.
The (FPV (First Person View) featuretransmits the video from the drone to the controller or mobile device, allowing a flight at a higher altitude, working around obstacles. The video can transmit over a 4G/LTE network.
GPS Ready to Fly Mode technology seeks the location of a sufficient number of GPS satellites, and once done, the drone switches to “Ready to Fly” mode.
UAV Remote Control System
Range Extender UAV Technology extends the range of communication between the smartphone or tablet and the drone in an open unobstructed area.
MILITARY DRONES
The precursor of today’s drones for commercial and industrial use has been the military drones, passing down much of their technology to consumer and business drone applications.
A military type of drone enabled with high technology can come for a cost of nearly USD 100 million when rolled off the manufacturing unit of the renowned Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and L3 Comm. Known for its long-endurance and capable of attaining high altitude, and armed with a suite of heavy-duty sensors, such a model is capable of providing a steady stream of intelligence data, carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), in any part of the world.
At the military combat level, it means minimal loss of lives, especially civilian lives lost as collateral damage, while at the same time adversary capabilities (hardware) are targeted are greatly reduced. A typical unmanned aircraft is made of light composite materials to reduce weight and increase maneuverability at very high altitudes. These are designed to absorb vibration, which reduces the sound required during stealth operations.
SOME SAFETY FEATURES
Operational safety is a priority and with that objective, drones come with the following technology:
Obstacle Detection and Collision Avoidance Technology equips the drone with collision avoidance systems, using sensors such as – Vision Sensor/Ultrasonic/Infrared/Lidar/Time of Flight /Monocular Vision
No Fly Zone Technology prevents accidents in restricted areas, these zones are regulated and categorized by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).
Internal Compass & Failsafe functionallows a home point to be set for the drone to return to, in case of a drop in communication with the remote-control system – also known as the ‘fail-safe function’.
CAMERAS & SENSORS THAT BRING OUT EXCELLENCE
The full scope of drone technology is realized with the use of high-performance cameras specially designed for aerial filming and photography, capable of shooting a film in 4k video and stills in 12 megapixels. These images match the 4K quality consumers demand from their latest television experience.
A drone fitted with a zoom camera becomes suitable for industrial applications like inspecting cell towers or wind turbines where detailed images are required for assessing and repairing damages.
Gimbals and tilt control features allow the camera to create unique angles. Drones with sensors help create 3D maps and models using ‘Sensor Fusion’. The software combines data from several sources and produces an accurate calculation of subject matter position and orientation. 3D models of building structures and landscapes are achieved by using Lidar, Multispectral sensors and Photogrammetry. Low-light night vision and Thermal vision sensors help to assist in agriculture, firefighting and search and rescue. Digital Elevation Maps (DEMS) of land to accurately provide data on the health of crops, flowers, fauna, shrubs and trees, and Time of Flight (ToF) sensors scan objects, assist with indoor navigation, obstacle avoidance, gesture recognition, and measure volumes and more.
Adding value to businesses with drones
No matter the scale of drone operations by businesses, a budget needs to be factored in for MRO services. In today’s competitive markets across the globe, adding a UAV capability to one’s operations is indeed a position of advantage. Therefore, business reliability is hugely dependent on operational reliability- hence a well-maintained drone or a fleet of them is essential, especially in terms of last-mile delivery.
The ability of a drone to track subjects’ outdoor sports such as running, cycling, skiing and similar. These sophisticated UAVs can track their subjects with cent percent accuracy.
LEADING DRONE BRANDS
Some of the better-known drone companies are General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, (a forerunner in the sector). Leading drone service providers in the different categories are appended:
Passenger Transport Drone category:
- Joby’s Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft (eVTOL) Aviation
- Volkswagen of America
Medical Supplies delivery companies:
- Zipline
- United Parcel Service (UPS)
Food delivery companies:
- Wing
- Flytrex
Package delivery services:
- Amazon Prime Air
- Wingcopter
Reference Credit:
- DroneZon
- Dronitech
- Builtin.com
