Primoco UAV

Role	Unmanned aerial vehicle for civilian use
Manufacturer	Primoco UAV SE, Czech Republic
First flight	31 July 2015
Status	In service
Number built	40 as of 2016

Primoco UAV is an advanced medium size unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for civilian use, designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic. Its first flight took place in July 2015 and the UAV Model One 100 started full production in January 2016. Its primary usage is in civilian air operations, supporting applications ranging from border protection and security to pipeline monitoring and remote infrastructure management. The aircraft has a fixed wing construction providing extended range and reliability in adverse weather conditions. When compared with a manned helicopter, an unmanned UAV will typically be around half of the operating costs, and can provides a discrete and environmentally friendly approach to air support activities.

Operation and Control

Primoco UAV

The plane is operated from a Ground Control Station with a pilot and a flight operator. It can be manually controlled or run in fully automatic mode, where pre-programmed waypoints allow automatic takeoff, flight and landing. The aircraft also has additional safety modes which allow it to return to base or land in a safe area if communications are lost or faults occur. Of particular interest is the aircraft’s S mode Transponder which allow its flight path to be integrated into normal civilian airspace without special authorization. The equipment and aircraft are all transported in a light van, allowing fast access to small, remote airfields.

Communications and Monitoring

Secure communications via radio or satellite Inmarsat connections are built in to allow live video and sensor readings to be continuously transmitted back to the ground station. The onboard sensors range include: Infra-Red cameras, Optical cameras, Radar/Lidar sensors and others according to the operator’s requirements.

Technical specifications

Primoco UAV and Ground Control Station

• Crew: 0
• Wingspan: 4.9 m
• Length: 3.7 m
• Maximum take-off weight: 100/150 kg
• Single piston engine 20/50 hp
• Composite construction
• Cruise speed: 100 - 150 km/h
• Maximum Distance: 1,500 km
• Endurance: 10 hours
• Payload: 1 - 50 kg
• Take-off/Landing length: 300 m

Equipment

Primoco UAV and DST OTUS U135 camera

• Optical cameras
• Infra-Red cameras
• Lidar
• Multispectral/Hyperspectral Camera
• On board S Mode Transponder
• 12/24V accessory power
• Encrypted communications (Radio or Inmarsat)

Civilian Applications

Primoco UAV

UAV’s are widely used in a number of civilian applications. These include:

• Precision Agriculture: Real time provision of crop health data and images means farmers can predict crop yields and respond to pest threats rapidly. Up to date information means that application of pesticides will be more precise, economical and less environmentally damaging.
• Remote Mapping: Using a 3D laser scanner allows topographic tasks such as remote,complex terrain or groups of buildings to be quickly and safely mapped.
• Topographical Mapping for road/rail planning: Efficient preliminary topographic inputs are a core part of planning for road and rail corridors. By using a UAV, areas can be easily re- scanned as frequently as needed without the requirements and approvals needed for on-the-ground logistics.
• Mine monitoring and mapping: A UAV can use 3D scanning to provide volume measurements and calculations for mining based on time-interval photography and 3D models
• Remote Pipeline monitoring: Ground or sea pipeline systems can be monitored at regular intervals to ensure the safety of the system and the environment. Optical and infra-red cameras can be used, as well as various multispectral and hyperspectral sensors.
• Power line Corridor Mapping: Regular 3D scanning of power line corridors is crucial for planning and management. Using a UAV can provide an effective way of delivering this essential service
• Disaster Responses and Environmental Management: When mapping the site of a natural disaster, the epicenter of a fire can be easily found using a thermo- camera, so it can be eliminated quickly before it spreads. Real-time remote video can assist in finding missing people in flood zones. At sea, oil spills can be monitored and mapped to inform the best and most effective response.

Government Applications

UAV’s are used extensively in civilian public sector applications:

• Coastal Surveillance: Governments need to monitor their coastal waters reliably, efficiently identifying boats and tracking unknown vessels. By using a UAV with an extended range a permanent remote presence can be maintained. A mid size UAV is unobtrusive and can be deployed across sensitive areas.
• Search and Rescue: Using night cameras and advanced thermal sensors mounted on a UAV gives SAR teams an additional set of eyes for supporting rescue operations in forests, coasts and remote areas.
• Security: to provide rapid information in critical situations. Real time information from the air allows large crowds or vehicle movements to be monitored, leveraging security forces‘ ability to safely manage complex situations. Long range monitoring provides security forces time to prevent the unauthorized entry of terrorists, criminals or undocumented immigrants.
• Border Protection: UAV systems are a key part of modern border protection and surveillance. They provide real-time intelligence on border areas to ground-based teams so that an appropriate response can be made based on live information.

References

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External links

• Official website