Unmanned Air Systems
Cranfield Aerospace has a growing capability in the field of Unmanned Air Systems (UAS), with a proven track record in the development of innovative systems to satisfy the most demanding of requirements.
Our well established reputation has been built on many years of practising ‘extreme innovation’ which, when combined with our MoD and Civil approvals and the deployment of comprehensive resource at Cranfield, provides a turnkey capability for the provision of world leading and highly effective unmanned air systems.
Concept Development
Cranfield Aerospace has a complete capability for advance concept engineering, providing highly innovative solutions. With experience in the use of advanced materials and production techniques, disruptive technologies for airframe and systems prototyping, and a rigorous process for concept development and assessment, CAe offers an independent and unbiased approach to concept development that captures the very best in innovation.
As well as a growing number of independent studies, this capability has been brought to bear on both the Observer and MINO Unmanned Air Systems developed, manufactured and successfully flight tested at Cranfield Aerospace. We are also pursuing new concepts for mini UAS’s which aim to provide ISTAR capability in both the military and civil markets.
As well as a growing number of independent studies, this capability has been brought to bear on both the Observer and MINO Unmanned Air Systems developed, manufactured and successfully flight tested at Cranfield Aerospace. We are also pursuing new concepts for mini UAS’s which aim to provide ISTAR capability in both the military and civil markets.
Rapid Prototyping
The normal air vehicle design process, whether for manned or unmanned vehicles, presents little opportunity for reducing time or cost. Problems identified late in the design process often lead to delays and cost overruns. However, the development of advanced UAS capability makes true rapid prototyping possible providing system integration and flight testing much earlier in the design process. CAe is leading the world in the provision of rapid prototyping capability through the use of sub-scale flight demonstrators as demonstrated through our ground-breaking work on the Boeing Blended Wing Body programme.
Design Services
Cranfield Aerospace is able to bring its experience in design services to the support of the certification processes for procured equipment.
Through its contract with Elbit of Israel, CAe has been deeply involved in the certification of the Watchkeeper Airborne System. CAe has experience over many years of designing and flying UAV Systems and is one the very few UK aerospace companies that has been allowed to fly UAV’s in UK airspace. Of particular importance in the programme with Elbit has been the process adopted to ensure compliance to MoD’s certification requirements; in particular JSP 553 and DEF STAN 05-123. CAe is delighted to be involved in the British Government’s biggest single UAV project.
Through its contract with Elbit of Israel, CAe has been deeply involved in the certification of the Watchkeeper Airborne System. CAe has experience over many years of designing and flying UAV Systems and is one the very few UK aerospace companies that has been allowed to fly UAV’s in UK airspace. Of particular importance in the programme with Elbit has been the process adopted to ensure compliance to MoD’s certification requirements; in particular JSP 553 and DEF STAN 05-123. CAe is delighted to be involved in the British Government’s biggest single UAV project.
Products
Mini UAV Control Systems
The Cranfield Aerospace mini UAV Flight Control System is a fourth generation Cranfield Flight Control System (FCS) design and takes advantage of the latest technology available. As a result the miniaturised and lightweight system unit can handle not only flight control law implementation but also highly complex navigation algorithms plus a variety of other UAV system functions. The FCS has previously been utilised in the fully autonomous, gust insensitive MinO mini UAS, the Observer UAS. The Boeing X-48B also utilises a bespoke FCS developed by Cranfield Aerospace
Ground Control System (GCS) Development
Cranfield Aerospace is well known for its expertise in Control Systems for UAS’s and particularly for its developments in autonomy aimed at deskilling the flight operations. In support of this, the CAe portable Ground Control System (GCS) that has been developed to be compatible with existing CAe air vehicle flight control systems, but with capabilities for extension to other third party systems.
The touch screen based unit provides an intuitive Human Machine Interface HMI suited to field operations which is powerful in function. The system is housed in a robust portable case with built in power back-up and capabilities to interface to a range of telemetry solutions.
The Cranfield Aerospace mini UAV Flight Control System is a fourth generation Cranfield Flight Control System (FCS) design and takes advantage of the latest technology available. As a result the miniaturised and lightweight system unit can handle not only flight control law implementation but also highly complex navigation algorithms plus a variety of other UAV system functions. The FCS has previously been utilised in the fully autonomous, gust insensitive MinO mini UAS, the Observer UAS. The Boeing X-48B also utilises a bespoke FCS developed by Cranfield Aerospace
Ground Control System (GCS) Development
Cranfield Aerospace is well known for its expertise in Control Systems for UAS’s and particularly for its developments in autonomy aimed at deskilling the flight operations. In support of this, the CAe portable Ground Control System (GCS) that has been developed to be compatible with existing CAe air vehicle flight control systems, but with capabilities for extension to other third party systems.
The touch screen based unit provides an intuitive Human Machine Interface HMI suited to field operations which is powerful in function. The system is housed in a robust portable case with built in power back-up and capabilities to interface to a range of telemetry solutions.
