helping you keep an eye on things...
Unmanned Aircraft in the Arctic
The Multiplex Funjet that flew in the Arctic Circle
Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) UAV makes arctic debut
- from http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/03/222680/cots-uav-makes-arctic-debut.html
A Norwegian university has flown an autonomous unmanned air vehicle equipped with meteorological sensors over the Spitzbergen/Svalbard island in the arctic circle in temperatures of -20 degrees C, winds up to 15m/s and at an altitude of 4,900 ft (1,500m).
The Multiplex Funjet UAV was modified with electronics for open-source Paparazzi autopilot software by the Geophysical Institute of the University of Bergen, in partnership with Hildesheim, Germany based-Martin Mueller Engineering, a small UAV company. It is being used to collect enviromental data on temperature, humidity, pressure and wind.
Martin Mueller installed a larger propeller on the 70 cm-wingspan, 80cm-long Funjet to improve take-off performance. The UAV was flown for one week from the Norwegian coastguard icebreaker "KV Svalbard", and from the island itself for two weeks, from 25 February-15 March.
"The batteries need to be warm [because the cold reduces their lifetime]," says Martin Mueller Engineering chief executive Martin Mueller. "They were warmed up to 40 degrees C before being placed in the Funjet," he adds.
The scientists used a pilot to launch and land the UAV using remote-control, but above 1,600 ft and out of visual contact the Funjet had to operate autonomusly. The UAV was launched from and landed on the icebreaker's helicopter landing deck.
|
The Multiplex Funjet |
- from http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=19743
- Wingspan 795 mm
- Overall fuselage length 750 mm
- All-up weight min. 550 g
- Wing loading 5 g/dm2
An agile, easy-to-launch fun jet which can take a wide variety of power systems. The FunJet is tailor-made for upgrading. The model is intended for experienced model flyers, e. g. for pilots who can handle a TwinJet or similar without a problem. The FunJet is controlled with ailerons, elevator and throttle, and aerobatics such as rolls, inverted flight, loops and so on are well within its capabilities. Fast, low passes in formation with 3, 4, 5 or even more models look simply terrific - and the sound is marvellous!
Then chop the throttle and be ready for a surprise - the FunJet glides in wonderfully slowly under full control to a gentle landing.- Typical jet-like flying characteristics
- Aileron / elevator and throttle controls
- Compact layout for ease of transport
- Screw-fitting motor installation, infinitely variable motor thrustline
- Short building time: no workshop required
- Requires normal cyano adhesive and activator for construction.
Kit contents:
Moulded parts for centre section, outboard wing panels, fins, small items, decals, motor mount and comprehensive instructions.
Recomended power set up and RC requirement:
- Power min. Permax BL 480-6 D
- Propeller MPX 5.5 x 4.5”
- Flightpower EVO20 2500 11.1v Lipo.
- Functions Aileron / elevator (delta mixer), throttle
- Designed for 2 x Nano S servos or similar 9g units.
Please note that the kit does not include a power system, and this will have to be purchased seperately.
Multiplex FunJet Brushless Power Set SMC-M-332630 contains:
- Himax HA 2825-2700 motor
- Multiplex BL 37 speed controller
- APC 5.5 x 4.5” propeller with 3.2 mm prop driver
- For use with 3s 11.1v lipo.
Multiplex FunJet RR SMC-A-264213:
The RR version of the FunJet contains a pre-assembled FunJet complete with 2 pre-installed Multiplex Nano-S servos, installed Himax HA2825-2700 brushless motor and Multiplex MULTIcont BL-37 speed controller. Also included are a propeller and a propeller adaptor. The model requires the minimum of assembly and decals to be added.
© Barnard Microsystems Limited 2006 - 2008