Successful UAV programs demand a careful balance of payload and endurance,
plus robust launch and recovery capabilities. The right autopilot is essential
to achieving these elements of success. It is the core element in any mini
or micro UAV program. It must be small, light and offer a robust and mature
set of features.
But that’s not all. It must also be easily and quickly
integrated into any UAV.
Reducing the “Time to Flight”
Built into the Virtual Cockpit™ 2.2, our “Time to Flight” tools
are designed to help systems integrators use the Kestrel™ Autopilot
System quickly and easily by reducing the complexities of integration and
configuration. That’s why we not only offer the robust guidance and
control provided by our autopilot system, but also a suite of
tools that makes integration and configuration fast and easy
for successful, repeatable UAV operations. Because we have grouped related
tuning variables and parameters into intuitive, easy-to-use screens, integrators
can quickly and easily tune the Kestrel Autopilot for specific airframe and
program parameters. The integrated Kestrel Autopilot System is the perfect
solution for small UAVs.
In short, our “Time to Flight” tools will help get you into
the air faster, with a more reliable, robust and consistently reproducible
solution.
Integration, Configuration, and Tuning
Autopilot Configuration
Easy access to autopilot integration variables and configuration and
tuning screens in a grouped menu system.
In-flight gain tuning
and adjustment
Integrators can fine tune their Kestrel autopilot installation
while in flight.
Data Logging and Telemetry Playback
Full data logging and flight playback for assessment and debugging.
Sensor Configuration
Monitor and recalibrate all onboard autopilot sensors including: magnetometer,
IMU sensors, temperature compensation, and others.
Temperature compensation graph to the Virtual Cockpit so users can validate
successful temperature compensation procedure. Data can then be saved to
file.
Servo Configuration
Set trim and travel values. Includes the ability to command the autopilot
to control the servo deflection and allows the integrator to measure on
the actual airframe the deflection of the control surface and make adjustments
as needed. The user can turn on auto-trim thus telling the autopilot to
automatically trim the aircraft while in the air. The values are then stored
on the autopilot.
Warning Configuration
Users can specify warning sounds (those provided in the product or
their own) from .wav files and the associated trigger values
when these warnings occur.
Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulator
Simulated flight in the lab for bench testing – also an effective
training tool.
Kestrel Autopilot and the Virtual Cockpit have a built-in ability
to simulate a 6-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) UAV with a third-party
simulator called Aviones (Aviones displays the simulated
flight in full 3-D, allowing the user to quickly and easily test flight
plans and new software development prior to full outdoor flight).
Auto Trim
Autopilot automatically fine-tune UAV trim characteristics, which are
saved on the autopilot.
TCP/IP Add-on Developers Kit Demo
The Virtual Cockpit has the ability to accept commands from 3rd party developer add-ons. This allows for the ability to extend the autopilot's features.
