BARNARD MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED

helping you keep an eye on things...

   
     
Home / unmanned air systems / milestones / Arctic UAV
 

 

   
Home | introduction | circuit design software | unmanned air systems | contact | what's new | site info
 
 

 

   

unmanned air ...

features 
issues 
applications I 
applications II 
geological survey 
oil leakage 
engines 
avionics 
airframes 
payload I 
payload II 
data processing 
milestones 
calendar 
reference 
 

milestones

tilt wing 
micro turbine 
2 rotor helicopter 
flying saucer 
UAV Road Map 
sea plane 
Arctic UAV 
UAV over Antarctica 
Quadrotor news 
cobra air worthy 
high data rate link 
100,000 hours 
solar uav 
fuel cell 
tropical storm 
over amsterdam 
atlantic crosing II 
atlantic crossing I 
 

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

By Rob Coppinger

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.

return to top

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
Multiplex have continued the tradition of introducing exciting jet style designs with the latest Funjet. This model has been designed from the outset to be powered by a brushless motor and lithium polymer batteries. The model provides high speed thrills with excellent low speed handling.

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.

return to top


© Barnard Microsystems Limited 2006 - 2008