General FAQ
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.FAQ - Usage
The command tablet may be operated inside a car. Some vehicles can obstruct the communications link and should be tested before operating in this mode.
The Aeryon Scout requires no tools to assemble the system and operate it. Components easily latch into place.
Setting up a preprogrammed flight path is as straight forward as manual control. Waypoints are set by clicking on the map to indicate points along the path. When in the air simply switch to waypoint mode, indicate your starting point and Scout takes over piloting. Manual control is always a click away.
The current design requires the operator to safey operate around obstacles. New designs are in process to allow the vehicle to autonomously avoid obstacles detected in its flight path.
The Aeryon Scout has been designed to allow for different packing requirements, from ruggedized cases to man-packable rucksack/backpack.
From opening the case to being in flight takes less than five minutes.
The software that controls the system from the ground has been designed to operate on different touch screen systems.
Please contact Aeryon to discuss integration with your existing systems.
Aeryon provides a three bay battery charger as part of the system. As each battery provides up to 20 minutes of flight time and takes under 60 minutes to charge, the battery charger provides a constant availability of batteries regardless of the length of the mission.
The Aeryon Scout system is scalable, and has been designed to allow users to fly multiple aerial vehicles simultaneously.
Using the embedded geo-referencing information in the still images captured by the Scout, the pictures can be displayed on the command station for use in subsequent flights. In addition, these images can be used as input to other geomatics and map generation software.
Yes. While the Aeryon Scout interface is map based, it is not always possible to have maps for every location. As such the command station interface provides gridlines (also available with maps) to be displayed. This allows the user to operate based on standard grid pattern.
The need for a joystick is not required by the Aeryon Scout as the interface provided allows the user to better manage data collection. If, however, there is a need to provide a special interface, the Aeryon Scout has the ability to be controlled through a joystick.
Learning to fly the Aeryon Scout takes less than a few hours to view our training video and practice using the built in simulator. We also offer on site training, allowing Aeryon personnel to work with you for more practice and personal support.
The Aeryon Scout supports several different map formats and we are adding new ones all the time. Please check with our team to verify support for your map format
The distance you can fly the vehicle is limited to the battery life. The current design allows for operation in a 3 km range.
Through the Scout's unique map based interface, the user is able to fly the aerial vehicle beyond line of sight, even in total darkness. The location of the aerial vehicle is displayed on the map.
FAQ - Payloads
At present Aeryon offers a daylight combination video and still camera, a 10x optical zoom camera as well as a thermal FLIR imaging sensor payload. We can provide custom sensor payloads for unique or new applications.
Aerial vehicles are subject to wind. With a stabilized camera the impact of the wind is automatically compensated for increasing the quality of the recorded video and still images.
Changing the payload takes less than a minute. The system will automatically detect which payload is being used and make the required changes to the system
Aeryon provides customization services that allow us to design custom payloads to meet your needs. If you have a requirement for a payload please contact Aeryon for a discussion of your needs.
Aeryon selected a 5 MegaPixel camera as it has a better light sensitivity response and lower image noise. Image sharpness depends more on photographic skill than the number of megapixels. With more (smaller) pixels there is a greater opportunity for blury image as the subject motion blurs the image more than the width of a microscopic pixel. This is important for images gathered from a moving source.
FAQ - General
There are many cases where an airplane is unsuitable. Airplanes require a clear runway for takeoff and landing. They cannot hover in one position in the sky and observe without constantly circling on a position, making them less covert. In the case of Scout, a hovering UAV is easier to pilot.
A significant benefit of the quadrotor platform is its mechanical simplicity and ruggedness. A 4-rotor design maximizes reliability and ease of maintenance.
The Scout is a complete system that is ready to fly out of the box. In addition to the aerial vehicle, base station, command station and daylight camera, an ancillary case is provided that includes spare batteries and a three-bay battery charger.
Yes, Aeryon Labs has designed the system to facilitate education research. The API has been designed to allow research groups to interface directly with the aerial vehicle.
The Aeryon Scout is very quiet. At typical flying altitudes it is extremely difficult if not impossible to hear.
Yes, the Scout interface can support other languages.
During the flight all video and stills are stored on the aerial vehicle. A video stream is sent to the command station on the ground ensuring the user is viewing the actual information being collected. Images, both video and stills are usually downloaded to the command station when the aerial vehicle is within Wifi range or for quicker performance, a special payload can be used to directly download the imagery
The Aeryon Scout has been used in a number of different applications. If you would like more information regarding the types of operations please contact us for more information.
Aeryon works with partners to provide leasing options.
Flying is as simple as pressing on a map to indicate where you want to fly. The vehicle will continue to fly to that position until you lift your finger. At that point it will come to a stop and hover. Height control is similar. Press on a slider and the vehicle will climb or descend until you release.
The system has been designed to fit into two ruggedized cases to allow users to meet the requirements for carryon luggage for air travel.
FAQ - Interfacing
Yes. Depending on the import and export laws of your country, varying levels of encryption and security can be enabled on all communication links
Yes, the Scout video output is designed to be streamed across existing networks for distribution to additional locations.
Yes, the Scout has an interface that meets the Stanag 4586 interface requirements.
FAQ - Safety
When communications between the operator and aerial vehicle is lost, the command station will alert the user to the condition. The aerial vehicle will travel to a position to try to re-establish communictions. If communications can not be re-established the aerial vehicle will respond in one of three ways, depending on the options set by the user. The aerial vehicle can return home, land in place or if in waypoint mode, can continue it's flight as programmed.
To ensure the operator's primiary job is to gather the required information, Aeryon has built in SMART systems. These systems range from monitoring the battery levels, wind conditions and communications links for the user. They also allow for safe operation of the system.
The Aeryon Scout is designed to return to the location it launched when the system detects low battery. Scout continually monitors its battery status and the power required to return home and land safely.
To ensure the safe operation of the system, the Aeryon Scout has built in features that inform the user if the current conditions for wind are too extreme for operation of the vehicle. The system has been sucessfully operated in winds that gusted up to 60 km/hr!
The Aeryon Scout has been designed to operate in rain, snow and dusty environments. It can handle cold and warm weather operation, and winds in excess of 40 km/hr. The system continually monitors the environment, alerts the user, and lands safely if wind or temperature exceed safe flying limits.
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