Unmanned Systems Technology 004 | Delair-Tech DT18 | Autopilots | Rotron RT600 | Unmanned surface vehicles | AMRC | Motion control | Batteries

32 3 Autumn 2015 | Contents Unmanned Systems Technology | Autumn 2015 04 Intro As it’s our first birthday we’d like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your support and let you know of a change next year 06 Platform one: Mission-critical info World’s first full-size wind- and solar-powered trimaran planned, traffic management system for civilian UAVs on the horizon, Facebook to test its autonomous base station, and much more 14 In conversation: Jonathan Downey Airware’s founder and CEO explains his company’s ethos and gives his views on the industry 18 Dossier: Delair-Tech DT18 We investigate this French UAV, which has been approved by the country’s aviation authority for beyond line-of-sight operations 30 UST online Highlights of what’s new and most popular on our sister UST website, plus details of the Supplier Directory 32 Focus: Autopilots As autopilot technology heads for some profound changes, we highlight the key developments 40 Dossier: Rotron RT600 rotary What went in to building this twin-rotor UAV engine, from a company that makes only rotary power plants? 52 Insight: Unmanned surface vehicles The challenges, technology and emerging applications for the burgeoning market for autonomous shipping  58 Dossier: AMRC The UK’s Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre is developing a UAV that can be built using rapid AM. What lessons have the teams learnt? 66 Focus: Motion control We explain the technology behind motion control systems, and offer some pointers as to where it’s heading 74 Insight: Batteries Advances in battery technology take a long time to emerge in commercial products, but many are now coming into view 82 PS: AtlantikSolar UAV Details of a Swiss team’s bid to be the first to fly a solar-powered autonomous craft non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean 18 52 74 66 Cover photo: Romain Laporte