Testing of Unmanned Aerial Systems for Advancements in Future Aerospace Vehicles

Unmanned aircraft systems are the wave of the future and are being used to usher in even more technological advances in unmanned aerial vehicles. The first quarter of 2018 has already seen a rush of UAS activity. Including in early 2018, Boeing announced plans to use a new unmanned cargo air vehicle (CAV) prototype to test their autonomy technology in preparation for future aerospace vehicles.

Boeing’s prototype is powered by an environmental-friendly electric propulsion system with eight counter-rotating blades allowing for vertical flight. The CAV prototype stands 4 feet tall, measures 15 by 18 feet, and weighs over 700 pounds. It can transport up to 500 pounds for potential future cargo and logistics applications.

Boeing’s test focused on transferring cargo with unmanned aircraft systems and is a major step in their electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) strategy. It could potentially change air travel and transport as we know it today.

The new CAV prototype, built in partnership with the Boeing HorizonX team and Boeing Research & Technology, builds on their existing unmanned aerial systems. Safely integrating unmanned aircraft systems is vital to reaching the full potential of autonomous cargo delivery and transport in the future.

The CAV prototype completed its initial flight successfully in Missouri at the Boeing Research & Technology’s Collaborative Autonomous Systems Laboratory. This test and location will serve to advance further iterations of autonomous technology for future applications.

At Insitu, we specialize in unmanned aerial vehicles and technology for defense and commercial industries. If you have questions about using unmanned aerial systems for your industry, contact us today to learn more.

We’ve come a long way since the early days of surveying. Today, many aerial survey consulting companies are offering aerial survey service with specialties in mine aerial survey. Advances in technology are making it easier to survey mines accurately and more efficiently.

Mining surveyors are responsible for accurately measuring the areas and volumes of mines. This includes a precise representation of the underground and surface situations on mining plans. When mine aerial survey entered the market, it changed the way mines are surveyed today.

Common software technologies used in aerial survey service include airborne laser scanning (LiDAR), airborne photogrammetry, satellite imagery, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). These programs and technologies are essential elements to accurately capture and process the data for use.

Airborne Laser Scanning (LiDAR)

Airborne laser scanning, or more popularly known as LiDAR, captures the mining environment. By using unmanned aerial systems, mine surveyors have an easier way of gathering data under challenging circumstances. Mine aerial survey with LiDAR allows surveyors to acquire millions of points per square kilometer. The density creates a robust dataset to use for mining applications such as geomorphology and structural geology, volume calculations, slope analysis, and surface run-off modeling for feasibility and environmental impact studies. Volumetric mapping can also be available when using LiDAR technology.

Aerial Photogrammetry

Aerial photogrammetry has provided a proven method of pit mapping and stockpile volume measurement for mining with an emphasis on 3D modeling and monitoring. After acquiring spatial data, it can be used to create digital terrain models and topographic maps. Imagery from the mine aerial survey can also be used in automated processing for producing DEMs. Aerial photogrammetry is often used today on UAVs and combined with LiDAR technology. Results can be based on the skill and expertise of the aerial survey consulting company, ground support from mine site survey staff, and good weather conditions.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Mining survey is trending toward working with UAVs with digital cameras to produce high-resolution aerial imagery. Further processing can create precise orthophotos, point clouds, and 3D models. The data gathered can be used for forecasting mine development, monitoring changes, and calculating volumes. The safety of mining workers underground can also be improved by UAVs gathering information on the surface situation.

Mining Survey of the Future

What could be more exciting than the aerial survey developments and innovations shared so far? More great technology is on the horizon making mining even more productive: virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). On a global scale, the mining industry has been an early adopter of these technologies.

VR can be used to carry out geological, geotechnical, and environmental studies. Some mines are using VR to help in decision-making for operations such as defining the mining area to environmental licensing situations or closure of a mining site.

AR superimposes a layer of interactive digital information over images of the physical world. This can offer the mining industry opportunities to improve productivity, employee safety, and reduce costs for equipment maintenance.

At Insitu, we offer professional aerial survey service and consulting to improve data collection and results for mining companies. Get in touch today to learn more.