A Journey into Unmanned Systems

Bluefin AUV Data and Operations System The General Dynamics Bluefin Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is a very effective tool for data gathering and deep sea exploration. The Bluefin is a torpedo shaped vehicle and has been used by the U.S. Navy, emergency responders and oceanography institutions to explore and search the oceans for dangerous mines, scientific data gathering and search missions. The research conducted will provide further in-depth study of the Bluefin AUV centering on its data, sensors, and information storage, and power. Power.  The Bluefin operates on Li-poly battery power cells as described by General Dynamics “An embedded electronics system controls and monitors the cell voltages, temperature, and current to prevent the user from unintentionally damaging the cells. The quanta and electronics are enclosed in a corrosion resistant housing and designed to be completely pressure-tolerant” (Bluefin Robotics, 2017). The batteries can be installed within mi...

The sensor placement on a small UAV is dependent on the objective for which the vehicle was designed and manufactured to achieve. There are many areas in and around a UAV for which sensor may be placed but the engineering and design phase incorporates which sensors will be used, what function it must perform, and what location the sensor will be placed around the vehicle in order to receive the most effective use during its operation. The type of UAV is important due to the type of activity or end result the user/operator want to obtain from the UAV. The research for this assignment entails the sensor placement of two platforms, one being a non-racing UAV and the other a racing UAV. Details and differences in the sensor placement, and function will be briefly discussed in the research. The non-racing platform I chose was the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. I chose the DJI Phantom 4 due to the long reputation that DJI has in producing a quality small UAV product with the latest designs installed...

Unmanned Systems Maritime Search and Rescue The Underwater Unmanned System I chose to research is the Bluefin UUV manufactured by General Dynamics Missions Systems.  The Bluefin was used to search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 which met its final demise in the Indian Ocean. According to David Kelly (chief executive officer of Bluefin Robotics) the search and rescue mission will entail the Bluefin searching the Indian Ocean in a row pattern covering just over 39 miles a day. Kelly further states "Down there, it'll run what's called a lawnmower pattern. It's just like mowing the lawn at your house” (CBS, 2014). According to William O’Halloran from Bluefin Marine Operations the UUV entails the use of sonar technology which it uses to scan the ocean floor. The sonar sends a signal and a measurement of the rate at which the sonar signal is reflected from an object will aid in determining whether aircraft debris or wreckage exists from Flight 370. Further explanati...

Redkite Wide Area Sensor Logos Technologies has developed and tested what is known as its Redkite sensor. The sensor basically provides data of a wider field of view and transmits the information to the operator or pilot from its onboard payload location to a hand held device. Such a system doesn’t seem very interesting until you factor in the capability that it can transmit this information to multiple handhelds. The ability to perform this operation would enable a greater field of view and operations awareness to fighter on the ground. The testing of Redkite was proven and resulted in great success according to the President of Logos Technologies John Marion “Now, we confirmed that Redkite captures, renders and stabilizes imagery in real time with its compact, on-board processor, streaming it to the users” (AUVSI, 2017). The Redkite system boasts the following benefits: 8 hours of data storage, tagging capabilities, reduced weight, and dual configuration platforms. The 8 hour da...