Unmanned Systems Technology 008 | Alti Transition UAS | Ground control systems | Xponential 2016 report | Insitu Orbital N20 | UAVs | Solar power | Oceanology International 2016 report

57 GPS master clock and network time server that delivers accurate, software- configurable time and frequency signals in all circumstances, including GNSS- denied environments”. He told us that its compact size and high level of ruggedisation (to MIL- STD 810G) make VersaSync suitable for mobile air/land/sea applications in harsh environments. “Its small footprint allows for easy integration of the time and frequency functionality into systems architecture,” he added. In addition, Sohn remarked that VersaSync accommodates an OCXO or CSAC oscillator, allowing the unit to maintain frequency and time accuracy for long periods of GPS/GNSS outage. “It can also be re-synchronised by an external reference,” he said. It provides time and frequency interfaces in all formats: NTP, PTP, IRIG, 1PPS, 10 MHz, serial and more, with other interfaces available upon request; for military applications, SAASM GPS is also available. Reference Technologies had on display a version of its Hummingbird, a VTOL unmanned craft that combines a central ducted fan with peripheral multiple rotors, giving it an unusually long flight duration for this type of craft. Model I is battery powered with a medium flight duration and light payload capacity, while Model II is a hybrid with an IC engine generating power for its electrically driven 19 in central counter- rotating dual fans and six external rotors. Model III, which uses eight external rotors in conjunction with a 24 in central ducted fan, provides a payload capability of more than 20 lb, and flight times in the region of six hours. Each version is equipped with multiple hard points so that it can carry and release mission-specific payloads. Direct flight control and pre-programmed flight plans are managed via a range of ground control interfaces. Allen Bishop told us that ‘Gen 2’ is currently in development and that this will have the capability to carry a 75 lb payload for a flight duration of about ten hours. HiTec RCD has recently launched IP67 industrial servos for UAV applications, Shawn Spiker told us. These feature a digital MOSFET amplifier, a brushless motor, a magnetic encoder position sensor, multi-rotation capability feedback, hardened steel gears with low backlash and a rugged aluminium alloy case. Moog recently invested in an additive manufacturing business, Tim Wutz told us. It is a company called Linear Mold and Engineering, of which it has acquired a 70% stake. Based in Livonia, Michigan, Linear has 120 employees and specialises in metal additive manufacturing. The company provides engineering, manufacturing and production consulting services to companies across a wide spectrum, including the unmanned vehicle industry. Kokam announced a new battery at Xponential for UAV use. It has a lithium-polymer chemistry originally developed for military use, now available for commercial applications. Ike Inkwan Hong told us that the battery “has an energy density of 265 W/h/kg compared with 180-200 for established technology. That means 30-40% more energy for the same weight, so saves 30- 40% space and creates more flight time.” Ike Inkwan Hong added that batteries of similar technology were chosen for the Solar Impulse project’s round-the-world solar-powered aircraft. Unmanned Systems Technology | June/July 2016 The VersaSync time and frequency system, from Spectracom