Dr. Victor M. Mwongera PhD in Aerospace Engineering Extended Endurance Surveillance & Monitoring using Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems Dr. Victor M. Mwongera PhD in Aerospace Engineering

Introduction Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs) Drones They do not carry any human passengers and therefore are controlled fully/partially by a pilot located some distance from the vehicle They have some inherent control systems designed into the vehicle that, at a minimum, makes them more controllable than RC vehicles They are designed to carry out missions that are unfit/unsuitable for human piloted vehicles due to various reasons such as: Size/stealth constraints (reconnaissance within buildings & on battlegrounds) Hazardous & dangerous conditions (sites of chemical spills, within collapsed tunnels, etc.) Long and arduous missions that do not require much pilot skill (exterior surveillance missions, environmental scanning and mapping, etc.) Difference between a remote controlled plane (or toy) and a drone -include the level of sophistication (more controls carried out by the aircraft within flight) starting from PID controllers, introduction of ability to navigate, logic controllers, etc. -RCs have existed for very many years, going as far back as tesla, who patented an early version of the technology -RCs usually built cheap and easy to assemble, disassemble, modify, repair, etc. Therefore they have been relegated mainly to hobbyists. -Drones, UAVs, RPAS or whatever definition, refers to an aircraft that has much more finesse in its design. Modern drones have a lot of technology integrated into them in the form of flight controllers, navigation, monitoring, measurements, etc. At their core, however, the drone is different primarily due to the flight controller that distinguishes it from RCS

Types of Drones/UAVS Rotary wing UAVs Small/Micro UAVs (MAVs) Palm-sized machines that are used mainly indoors Usually silent and manoeuvrable, Very short flight time & low payload capability Rotary wing UAVs More conventional UAVs seen today. Faster & able to lift larger payloads Fixed wing UAVs Have much greater endurance (range) with largest lifting capability Primary drawback is need for take- off/landing solution Conversation on the three types of drones: smallest can carry hardly anything but can go anywhere at eye level; middle size provide a goo balance as can hover, fly around and labdbut tull have endurance issues largest are long range haulers

Surveillance & Monitoring in the Coastal Region

The Problem Growth and development of industries in the coastal region such as tourism, fisheries and mining bring both positive and negative impacts to the environment Pollutants released into the atmosphere, water & general environs Secondary effects such as noise pollution, migratory disruption, etc. Growth of infrastructure affecting natural habitats Insecurity Increased population Industrialisation of the region Depletion of resources Surveillance technology to assist in: Security Environmental monitoring & industrialisation Local development planning

Proposed UAV Capabilities MRO item Desired outcome Design consideration Endurance In the air as long as possible without refuelling Lightweight design and very fuel efficient Surveillance platform Capturing of high quality still images & video Capable of monitoring one target or rapid change between targets High altitude soaring/gliding to allow for coverage of a large area Design of a powerhouse that allows for target adjustment as demanded Payload The platform will carry a range of surveillance equipment capable of monitoring desired target (customisable payload) Payload should be large enough to carry all required equipment   Take-off & landing The take-off/landing should be versatile to fit all environments, including harsh conditions, sea landings, etc. Ensure the landing gear design caters for this versatility

The Solution The design selected for the proposed monitoring solution is a fixed wing UAV; creating capability for extended endurance & high-altitude flight, allowing for easy surveillance & monitoring. The ability to change the fixed wing flyer’s payload will give the final vehicle the capability to address different surveillance needs in the coastal region. The solution is locally designed & assembled in- line with the government’s big 4 agenda to promote local manufacturing.

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