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Brochure OPATS UAV Web
Brochure OPATS UAV Web
The landing procedure for UAVs is still a very delicate operation, and
RUAG developed the OPATS system for the Swiss Air Force. Experience
the most critical phase during the entire UAV flight. OPATS (Object
with several thousand automatic landings have shown that OPATS
Position and Tracking Sensor) is a laser-based automatic landing
is a reliable, precise, easy-to-operate and cost-effective system
system for UAVs that represents a cost-efficient alternative to radar-
for UAV autolanding. It was demonstrated that a landing area of
based UAV landing systems.
20 m x 200 m is sufficient for touchdown and full stop. This perfor-
mance was achieved in cold and hot areas, in rain and snow, both
The key feature of the OPATS system is the continuous position
day and night.
measurement of the approaching UAV by means of an eye-safe,
infrared laser beam which is echoed back from a passive and option-
RUAG has delivered more than 130 OPATS to various customers
ally heated retroreflector on the UAV.
worldwide.
OPATS system
Key characteristics
Equipment on UAV
The only equipment required on the UAV
are one or two optical retroreflectors with a
diameter of 60 mm. These can be flexibly
integrated on the front of the UAV, either on
the nose or under the wing.
UAV equipment
Key benefits and advantages
03.14/Prop-UAV_OPATS Brochure_E2
Key benefits in comparison to radar-based automatic landing systems Unit pictures
Minimal passive equipment on the UAV
Laser sensor
Precise guidance of the UAV during the approach and landing phase, thus
maximum safety from human errors during landing
RUAG Aviation
Seetalstrasse 175 | P.O. Box 301 | 6032 Emmen | Switzerland
Phone +41 41 268 41 11 | Fax +41 268 39 95 | subsystems.aviation@ruag.com
www.ruag.com/aviation
Legal domicile:
RUAG Switzerland Ltd | Seetalstrasse 175 | P.O. Box 301 | 6032 Emmen | Switzerland