Strategic Elements Ltd, a subsidiary of Perth-based Stealth Technologies, and a California-based firm, Planck AeroSystems, are partnering to develop a system to enable drones to autonomously launch and land from a moving platform.
Planck will develop the drone’s optically-guided precision landing system without the use of GPS. Stealth Technologies will be responsible for the platform, referred to as the Autonomous Security Vehicle (ASV).
Stealth Technologies is developing the ASV for perimeter security for use in sectors such as transport, energy, defense, government, and utilities which provide critical services.
The Planck Autonomous Control Engine (ACE) landing system platform is an embedded software solution enabling precision take-off and landing through sensor-guided flight.
ACE is already embedded in a variety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) employed by five federal agencies in the US along with two other nations. The system has been deployed to guide thousands of successful UAS sorties, both at sea and from vehicles, the company said in a statement.
The technology guides the flight through sensors and works out the motion of a ground vehicle, including roll, pitch, heave, and wind effects, before letting the aircraft land on it.
Does Not Require GPS
The Planck software utilizes computer optics, artificial intelligence, and additional onboard sensors without the requirement for GPS or active communications, unlike current UASs.
The combined mobility of the vehicle and the UAS will effectively double their surveillance capabilities.
An added benefit is that the UAS can be recharged once it lands on the vehicle and be relaunched.