1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Surveillance & Monitoring in the Coastal Region

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. Thank You for Listening