MicroPilot Launches Triple Redundancy UAV Autopilot

2011-02-24 07:02:13 The Editor

MicroPilot has combined three of its premier MP2128g autopilots into the first commercially available tripleredundancy unmanned aerial
vehicle autopilot. The MP21283X is now available.

Loaded with multiple communication links, back-up high current drivers, backup power supplies, and independently generated servo
signals, this autopilot sets new reliability standards within the industry. Although 3X technology is established within the aviation industry,
3X autopilots are a new addition to UAS. The MP21283x contains three robust autopilots to overcome a multitude of hardware failures. If
any one of the three autopilots should fail, the remaining two take over. An additional mechanism oversees these three systems.

Customers who benefit from The MP21283X conduct flight missions that fly expensive air frames and payloads, perform highspeed
missions, or cannot recover with a flight termination system. UAS flights over builtup and environmentally sensitive geographic areas
also benefit from the added reliability 3X offers. The MP21283Xs ability to quickly detect hardware faults makes this product a solid
solution for overcoming inadequate recovery times, says Howard Loewen, MicroPilot President.

Moreover, UAS flights calling for errorfree transitions benefit from the MP21283X. Vehicle operation switches seamlessly between
autopilots. The MP21283X is designed to avoid sudden control outputs that could cause the UAS to strike the ground during critical flight
manoeuvres such as take-off and flare. Furthermore, the MP21283X synchronizes data, settings, and waypoints among all three
autopilots. This ensures each MP2128g has enough information to continue its mission in the event of a failure. The MP21283X also
synchronizes configuration and way-points in flight changes.

The MP21283x provides eight input/output ports and two RS232 serial ports for ground control communication via radio modems. The
MP21283X includes provision for multiple communication links, backup high current drivers, backup power supplies, and independently
generated servo signals. Moreover, two different types of global positioning system receivers are used to improve its reliability. MicroPilot
also modified its HORIZONmp Ground Control Station software to accommodate the extra status information the MP21283 provides.
Other upgrades to handle the extra requirements of the MP21283X include quasi hardware in the loop simulator, datalog viewer, error
monitor, and software update utilities.

MicroPilots MP21283X offers the high degree of redundancy UAS operators need to conduct UAS flights over sensitive areas and
geographical areas that offer little hope for recovering a lost vehicle. When flight termination systems are not enough to protect your
assets, whether they are expensive airframes or highdollar payloads, a tripleredundancy autopilot is worth the investment. We set our
sights high when we designed our new tripleredundant autopilot and supporting products, says Loewen.