Barnard Microsystems Limited

Development of the InView unmanned aircraft started in early December 2009. The first test flight of InView IV-001 took place on the 9^th April, 2010. For more recent developments, see InView development: Part 2.

• InView 05: first flight on 20 July 2010

• InView 04: first flight on 4 June 2010

• InView 03: first flight on 25 May 2010

• InView 02: first flight on 29 April 2010

• InView 01: first flight on 9 April 2010

The changes made were as follows:

• forward viewing window introduced so a camera can record the forward view
• side windows added to enable a side view from the payload area in the fuselage
• rear hatch added
• rear window added in rear fuselage compartment
• engine mount extensions added to move centre-of-gravity forward

The InView IV-05 with added underside front window to enable a camera to record the forward underside view.

The high definition camcorder used to record the forward looking view.

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The changes made were as follows:

• user definable payload can be carried under each wing
• removable fuselage payload plate introduced
• VEE tail configuration replaced with a classic tail configuration
• reverted to the more powerful, and heavier, SAITO FG-30 30cc four stroke engines since the InView could not fly reliably on one SAITO FG-20 engine

The InView payload bay in the fuselage

Preparing the Canon G10 digital camera on the payload mounting plate.

The payload plate secured in the fuselage payload bay.

In the InView IV-04 we reverted to use of the classic tail configuration, but kept the twin tail booms.

The InView IV-04 had excellent flight characteristics.

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Steps were taken to further reduce the weight of the tail section. The changes made were as follows:

• classic tail configuration replaced with a VEE tail configuration
• fuselage replaced with a new fuselage in which a pair of tail booms are used
• the forward camera window has not been introduced
• the rear wheel has been moved forward to be under the rear of the shorter fuselage

The InView IV-03 VEE Tail version. We have introduced the twin boom and a VEE tail configuration to significantly reduce the weight of the rear fuselage section to achieve the correct centre-of-gravity location without needing to add weights in the front of the aircraft. The length of the nose section has been reduced.

The InView IV-03 VEE Tail version had a very sluggish handling characteristic, and was very difficult to fly.

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The InView IV-01 required weights in the nose. Steps were taken to reduce the weight of the tail section, and increase the weight in the front section. The changes made were as follows:

• tail section changed to reduce weight
• SAITO FG-30 engines replaced by less powerful SAITO FG-20 20 cc four stroke engines to reduce weight
• nose section increased in length to counter the weight of the tail section
• window located in front nose section to provide a camera forward view

The "long nose" InView IV-02 variant. The long nose was used to improve on the centre-of-gravity setting and offset the weight of the tail section of the fuselage. The rear section of the fuselage has been modified to reduce its weight.

The InView IV-02 passes range tests and is ready for take-off.

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The design of the InView was based on the VuFab, which itself was based on the Telemaster Senior. Our aim was to develop an unmanned aircraft system with safety, automation and modularity as key goals. The InView version 01 had the following attributes.

• twin SAITO FG-30 30cc gasoline powered four stroke engines for safety
• 4 kg payload
• range of around 700 km
• easily transported in a 4x4 vehicle
• Maximum Take-Off Weight without fuel: less than 20 kg
• "tail dragger" wheel configuration
• plywood construction for the Block 1 prototypes; carbon fibre for the Block 2 production versions
• for use in scientific, commercial and state applications, without ruling out military applications

A modular approach was a key requirement to:

• simplify transportation of the aircraft
• enable us to change modules, such as tail fins
• enable us to easily and inexpensively replace damaged parts
• enable us to upgrade parts, such as the engines for more power

Loading the prototype InView IV-01 into a 4x4. The InView was designed from the outset in a modular configuration to enable ease of transportation and module upgrades.

The InView IV-01 prototype under construction in a hangar.

The InView IV-01 prototype at Shoreham Airport, complete with design for Radio Direction Finding unit mounted on the fuselage.

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