UK-based Cyberflight has unveiled two prototype short-range, short-endurance backpackable UAVs for small unit operations.
The Surveillance Observation Device (SOD) I was on static display at ParcAberporth last week. A larger “sister” platform, designated SOD II, will be displayed for the first time at this week’s DSEi exhibition in London. Both UAVs are electrically powered.
SOD I is based on an extended-chord wing with forward-swept tips and underslung central fuselage holding avionics and sensors. The design incorporates two underwing fins that serve as control surfaces and as an undercarriage for landing. The hand-launched aircraft has an endurance of 30min carrying a 600g (21oz) video payload and a range of 11km (7 miles). The UAV, which first flew in mid-2004, has a maximum speed of 60kt (110km/h) and a loiter speed of 15kt.
The SOD II is a folding flying-wing design with twin tip-mounted tailplanes. The prototype vehicle, which has a span of 1.3m, made its debut flight in early 2005. Production versions are expected to have an endurance of 55min carrying a 30oz payload, with the platform to share the SOD I’s 15kt loiter speed, but have a maximum speed of 90kt.
The avionics suite for both UAVs has a miniature GPS receiver developed by Cyberflight and about the size of a human thumbnail.
Source: Flight International
