DSEI 2023 | Show report operators and forward operating bases. DTC’s configuration includes an IP camera encoder for streaming EO/IR data over a mesh link to whichever operator wants it. “Underpinning our radio technology is our MeshUltra waveform, which is our own so it’s not based on wi-fi or similar, and has its own built-in error correction systems as well as a media access algorithm for controlling who can transmit and when,” said Sam Medler. “The algorithm is token-based: the ‘token’ is a kind of software identifier that’s passed around so that each radio can transmit in a defined sequence based on their node IDs. “It allows each radio to track the others’ transmission quality and packet sizes, and the sequence in which it’s passed around can change dynamically as the network evolves, overcoming the crosstalk problems that can result with, say, CSMA-based networks, and improving latencies,” he added. One solution integrated one of the company’s BlueSDR-30 radios, which weighs 461 g in plain boxed form (110 g in OEM configuration) and consumes up to 7 W in typical mesh operations, transmitting at up to 1 W maximum power per output (for 2 W in total). SOMAG had active displays of two of its gyro-stabilised mount systems, which can be integrated into USVs and UGVs to help balance payload sensors. “You can install any kind of sensor – a camera, radar or Lidar, say – and the mount systems, which are made for harsh environments such as sea states up to 7, can mechanically compensate for lateral motions; they are also IP67-rated for use offshore,” said Soren Lieske. “Our mechanical compensation for high payload weights is based on hydraulic circuits, which lends them to much more powerful motion and lifting than electromechanical systems used on our small stabilisation platforms.” The company’s biggest mount, the OSM 5000, can lift up to 300 kg; its smallest, the RSM 50, is configured for up to 40 kg, although the geometry and CoG of the payload will influence its exact capabilities. At the time of writing, SOMAG’s platforms were being designed to compensate for motion in the pan and tilt axes, but the company is also working on a version with additional yaw compensation. “We also have models for helicopters and UAVs acquiring survey data,” Lieske added. “Our airborne mounts stabilise in all three axes, and a passive vibration isolation ring is integrated on top, which we design to mitigate specific vibrational frequencies that the end-user is concerned about, and which are adapted to a specific weight of the sensor application.” Subdron spoke with us about its V Dron UUV, a 52 kg vessel measuring 1.6 m in length and 0.23 m in diameter. It is electrically powered to achieve speeds of up to 3 knots and endurances of up to 10 hours. “We built the vessel for performing underwater inspections of ships’ hulls, port structures and offshore structures,” said Marie Weiss. “In addition, we’ve also developed our proprietary Relative Object Navigation [RON] software, for autonomous underwater navigation as well as close following of objects of interest.” The RON software is hence designed to ensure that the V Dron not only closely measures the surfaces of structures, it also maintains a consistent distance and orientation from them. As a result, the 3D point clouds generated from the sonar surveys achieve a consistent resolution across every square metre of the resulting model. ComNav Marine attended the event to display a range of precision marine electronics systems for integration into USVs. Among these were its G2, G2B, G3 and G7 GNSS systems, which are designed for integrating two antennas to support heading data outputs from 1 to 50 Hz. “They also come with software algorithms to minimise dropouts and enable fast re-acquisitions after loss of satellite signal, tracking multi-frequency multi-constellations simultaneously across GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou,” said Satish Narayan. The G2, G2B and G3 are IMO-compliant and type-approved for precise heading, positioning, heave, pitch, roll and rate of turn. The GNSS is aided through an inertial sensor to provide enhanced roll, tilt and heading stability, as well as aiding during any momentary losses of satellite signal. The G7 provides precision GNSS of up to 1 cm position, and 0.01o heading. The company also showcased its V7 gyro-stabilised EO/IR gimbal. Its night vision thermal camera is an LWIR system powered by a 640 x 512 silicon CMOS detector; the camera produces fullframe rate video output to 50 Hz with a 26 x 20o FoV. Its colour camera has a 30 x 30° FoV, 1080p resolution and comes with a 40x optical zoom lens, as well as a 120x digital zoom. The system integrates a light intensifier with a spectral range of 200900 mm and a wireless remote control IP capability. 107 Uncrewed Systems Technology | December/January 2024 ComNav’s V7 thermal night vision camera
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