Project Arrow
Anti Poaching UAV South Africa
June 2016 :Controller program working over internet on the Raspberry Pi 3 :-)
October 2017 : Controller program working over 3G
Our Video Tips
The KA-8B is a very large 1/2:5 scale glider. Its exceptionally strong and very capable to lifting large payloads. Gliders are more stable in the air and when the camera is mounted on the fuselage its picture is not distorted with bumps and small changes.
The KA-8B Glider is easy to operate. Because it is able to fly at slow speeds, taking off, flying and landing are easier to do than other smaller, faster UAVs. For landings the speed of the glider can be reduced significantly with out stalling or dropping and the glider still has manoeuvrability. Engine failure should not be an issue for the glider. It will stay aloft for quite some time in the event of an engine cut out. The engine can be restarted while in the air by supplying power from the battery to the small generator which will act like a motor to turn the engine.
The materials of the glider are hardy and will endure all weather conditions.
I've managed to set up my arduino micro controller with Pololu - MinIMU-9 v2 Gyro, Accelerometer, and Compass . The display is python code.
26cc Engine running
RS-16 Unmanned Arial Vehicle. Its the same setup as project arrow. They have had success with this converted RC glider which can take off and land in windy conditions and fly for 16hours at a time..
Another solution that we've been looking at is the Yamaha R-Max helli
Its a tested stable platform which is capable of flying for 5 to 16hours (Extended fuel tanks). It can lift a payload of 16kgs and 24kgs (Larger model)
The only problem is that this solution is expensive. I think around about R500 000 for the new model. However there are hiring options for testing purposes if we are able to get approval to fly such an air craft in SA.
I think the biggest positive for the R-max is the ease of use, reliability and long life span of the remote helicopter.
R-max Helli's are currently being utilized in China, USA and Australia for crop and weed spraying.
The R-Bat a (millitary version of the R-Max).
Darpa has been using this platform for testing and it seems a reliable cheaper alternative for millitary drones.
Since the cost of the equipment which is placed on a UAV is in the 100's of thousdands. It would be better to have a UAV which is less prone to crash and is able to operate flawlessly for long periods of time for many years.