We have developed a version of the SurVoyeur mk-II, the 'c' version, which has a new nose housing a gimballed, stablized EO and IR camera combination.
This gimbal houses the FLIR QUARK 640 X 512 pixel Thermal camera, fitted with a shutter to enable flat field correction, and also houses the Sony EX11 Colour Block Camera.
Both camera are fully controllable from the ground station, colour modes, zoom where applicable, AGC, etc.
The gimbal is stabilized and fully steerable from the ground station. We are currently working on making accurate fitment jigs to bore-sight the cameras to the IMU, to enable accurate line of sight determination to allow automatic tracking of designated 'targets'.
Here are some photos of the various parts of the Gimbal, and the Gimbal fitted to the aircraft.
The two cameras with the QUARK shutter mechanism: The assembled Gimbal:
Pre-assembly:
A short video of the gimbal in motion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xlB0HXT520&feature=youtu.be
Flight times are 70minutes at sea level 25deg C, 55 minutes at 1600m ASL, 40deg C.
Additionaly an 18mpixel Canon stills camera, stablised in roll, is fitted in the belly bay , under the wing, as was in the original mk-II aircraft.
search for SurVoyeur on DiyD for other blogs on mk-I and mk-II if interested...
The Nampilot.
Comments
I see that you are using a 3-blade propeller. Is it because you needed more thrust for take-off?
Antonie, we live in Swakop, and are around all the time..
Joe
Thank you all for the encouraging comments! amazing what one can do if keen!
Joe
Hi Chris,
Yes, it will be sold, but more as a system, rather than a separate gimbal. There are so many issues related to its integration - boresighting being vital, so that the camera tracking of an object on the ground is relayed with accurate body angles to the autopilot, in order that the camera can 'steer' the aircraft - ie, give attitude and heading queues to the autopilot, to follow the target.
The gimbal is 'stand alone; in that its control is from the autopilot via a high speed serial link, with a control, steering and command protocol. It provides a crosshair with ground georeferencing, and ground point targeting for object tracking, so becomes complex...
Also, as I used to be in the big UAV production game, I have little desire to get back into that treadmill - however, the Paramount Group has been for demo's and are keen to negotiate some sort of OEM deal, with us continuing the development of future ideas and product - which would suite me!
The environment we live frees our mind of daily dread and drudge, so we can innovate to hearts content - funding permitting!
Joe
Hey, bud, this is great. I like the integration of the gimbal. Very neat - where are you going to fit the 9mm anti poaching canon:))
Do you have working footage?
Good job - good cause.
How far are you from Swakop/Husab? I'm on site at Husab next week.If you are not to far I would like to come and see you.
Antonie
Really great.
The integration done with airframe and gimbal is amazing and very smart.
Will is be available any time soon?
great work!
Poachers don't have a chance.
Would be great to see video footage taken in flight by the flir cameras
Impressive design! Will you be offering that for sale?
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