Unmanned aerial vehicles have "mastered" reconnaissance for a long time and are now actively used in this area. Nevertheless, with rare exceptions, we are talking about observing the terrain using optoelectronic means. At the same time, new developments in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles are proposed, the purpose of which is to solve new special tasks. A few days ago, it was announced the creation of the world's first UAV capable of detecting explosives. This device was named LDS SpectroDrone.
The existence of a promising project involving the implementation of new special tasks was announced on November 15. Israeli company Laser Detect Systems (LDS) has published an official press release on its new development. On the eve of the HLS & Cyber Expo, held on November 15-16 in Tel Aviv, the developer company decided to disclose information about some elements of its exposition. The topic for one of the posts was a project called SpectroDrone. The purpose of this development is to carry out control over certain objects with the search for explosives and potentially dangerous objects.
General view of the UAV with the SpectroDrone system. A frame from a commercial
It is reported that the SpectroDrone product is the world's first UAV capable of finding explosive devices and explosives, including those located behind obstacles. At the same time, the drone can work at a certain distance from the operator, and also has the ability not to approach a small distance to the inspected object during operation. The obtained characteristics and capabilities are the result of combining two developments, namely a platform-quadcopter and a modern laser detector operating on the principle of a spectrometer.
The Optimus device, developed by the Israeli company Airobotics, was chosen as the basis for the UAV with the LDS spectrometer. It is a relatively light machine with four propellers, with a set of required equipment for control and solution of various tasks. In addition, such a drone has a carrying capacity sufficient for transporting the spectrometer. After some minor modifications, the Airobotics Optimus product became the host for the SpectroDrone system. In this configuration, the new Israeli design was demonstrated at a recent exhibition.
In terms of the main design features of the UAV, Optimus does not differ much from other modern technology in its class. The main design of the apparatus is a complex-shaped body made of plastic. As part of the plastic units, there is a large streamlined fuselage of a characteristic shape, to which four beams with engines are attached. The project provides for the use of four electric motors with their own propellers. Directly under the engines on the beams of the apparatus are mounted racks used as a chassis. In case of an emergency landing, the device is equipped with a parachute.
General view of the drone during the solution of the assigned tasks. Figure Laser Detect Systems / Laser-detect.com
Airobotics Optimus has the most automated control system capable of performing various operations independently and without operator participation. So, having received a program of action, the drone can independently take off, go to a given area or start patrolling along a specified route. Automation also improves the capabilities of the device during continuous operation. The device uses satellite navigation to determine its own position. The accuracy of determining the coordinates, according to the developer, reaches 1 cm.
For transportation and maintenance of the UAV, the manufacturer offers a special container. Inside this product is placed a complete set of equipment required to operate the drone. The device itself in the transport position is placed in a special slot in the upper part of the container and is closed with a sliding lid. When it is necessary to take off, the roof elements diverge to the sides, freeing up space for lifting.
In the original version, the Israeli-developed drone carries only optical-electronic equipment, which allows piloting and monitoring the terrain. The LDS project proposed the use of a new special-purpose payload. With its help, the operator of the complex will be able to find potentially dangerous objects and determine the degree of risk, revealing the presence of explosives. It is noted that the payload for the UAV Airobotics Optimus is made in the form of removable modules. To replace the module and, as a consequence, to change the tactical role of the device, it takes a minimum of time.
Container for transporting the device. Photo Airobotics / Airobotics.co.il
The SpectroDrone product is a block with a set of various equipment used to search for traces of certain chemicals. This device includes several optoelectronic devices equipped with their own laser emitters. The latter generate radiation with different wavelengths. The detector also includes a laser rangefinder and a high-resolution video camera. To process signals from different components, the detector is equipped with a control system that works according to special algorithms. The leadership of the LDS company in the creation of such equipment is confirmed by patents.
During operation of a drone equipped with a detection system, the elements of the SpectroDrone product must automatically monitor. Several lasers in different ranges emit light directed towards the inspected object. Further, the optics collects the reflected radiation and processes it according to a special algorithm. The presence of certain features of the reflected light indicates the presence of certain substances in the air. The possibility of detecting substances in a solid, powdery or aerosol state is declared.
The proposed operating principle allows the SpectroDrone system to be used in various fields, but the developer has adapted it for use in the search for explosives. Signal processing algorithms have been designed with the characteristics of such connections in mind. It is argued that the signal processing system allows you to bring the lower threshold of the concentration of the detectable substance to the minimum values. A reduction in the number of false positives and false negatives has also been reported. According to a press release from the manufacturer, the new detector has performance on par with laboratory samples.
Placement of optical devices. A frame from a commercial
The proposed method for applying advanced technology is quite simple. At the command of the operator or under the control of automation, the platform drone should go to the target area. In the case of the Optimus UAV, the range reaches 3 km. After reaching the required position, the target equipment is connected to work. It independently studies the state of atmospheric air near the object under study and detects the presence of explosives or other hazardous compounds. Information about the air condition near the target is transmitted in real time to the operator's console. Having received accurate data on the presence or absence of explosives, the operator of the complex can transmit all the necessary information to sappers who have to work with a dangerous object. At the moment, the range of inspection of objects is limited to only a few meters, which is associated with the peculiarities of the operation of laser equipment.
In the proposed form, the Optimus unmanned aerial vehicle with a SpectroDrone spectrometer can be used in various fields. First of all, such a technique is of interest to the armed forces and special services that need means of searching for explosive devices of one type or another. In this case, drones can be used to search for improvised explosive devices along the path of convoys or to protect various objects from possible attacks with explosives. A UAV with special equipment, in theory, will make it possible to find a threat in a timely manner and take the necessary measures.
At the same time, the compact spectrometer, carried by the drone, can be used in other areas as well. The ability to search for certain substances in the air can be useful in many other areas. The production process in some industries is associated with the risk of substances in the air that are dangerous to humans and equipment. Lightweight detectors may well find use as a means of warning about danger. In particular, such a technique may be of interest to mining enterprises in need of systems for the detection of hazardous gases.
Demonstration of the system operation. A frame from a commercial
The SpectroDrone system also has some potential for use in disaster relief. The ability to monitor the situation with a set of optical instruments and perform spectrometry can significantly improve the situational awareness of specialists.
In its current form, spectrometric equipment of the SpectroDrone type is a compact unit designed for installation on one of the existing unmanned aerial vehicles. In the future, the list of carriers for such equipment may increase. Due to its small size and weight, the new type of system can be installed on other types of UAVs with different characteristics. In addition, the development company mentions the possibility of adapting the complex for use on ground platforms.
The lightweight block of the SpectroDrone system, after some changes, will be able to be installed on ground-based remote-controlled robotic systems. Also, vehicles of existing models can be carriers of the detector. Due to the use of a different type of carrier, the scope of application of the equipment can change. Thus, in the future, the manufacturing company will be able to offer customers a fairly wide range of modifications of the new system, adapted to solve various problems.
SpectroDrone product without media. A frame from a commercial
It is obvious that the proposed project is not without its drawbacks. One of the main ones can be considered restrictions on the distance from the object under study. You also need a line of sight with no major interference. The need to approach at a distance of several meters does not allow for covert work, and this may interfere with the solution of some military tasks. In addition, effective work can be difficult due to the nature of the landscape and the location of the suspicious object.
The latest development of the Israeli industry is of great interest. For the first time in world practice, it was possible to equip an unmanned aerial vehicle not only with optoelectronic observation systems, but also with specialized equipment capable of searching for certain substances. The declared characteristics and capabilities, as well as the absence of direct analogs, allow Airobotics and LDS companies to count on a certain interest from potential customers and wait for the signing of contracts for the supply of serial equipment. An additional incentive for the emergence of orders for SpectroDrone systems can be a modular architecture that allows the use of special equipment along with various carrier platforms.
Nevertheless, it is too early to talk about the real prospects of the project. The original development was presented to potential customers just a few days ago, so future buyers could simply not have time to form their opinion and decide on the need to purchase equipment. If the SpectroDrone complex really interests future operators, then the first contracts for its supply may appear in the foreseeable future.
